propilénoxid

Propylene oxide, also known as methyl oxirane, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6O. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor. Propylene oxide is an epoxide, meaning it contains a three-membered ring consisting of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. This strained ring structure makes it highly reactive and a valuable intermediate in the production of other chemicals.

The primary industrial method for producing propylene oxide is the chlorohydrin process, which involves the reaction of propylene with chlorine and water to form propylene chlorohydrin, followed by dehydrochlorination with a base like calcium hydroxide. Another significant method is the hydroperoxide process, where propylene is epoxidized using an organic hydroperoxide, such as ethylbenzene hydroperoxide or tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

Propylene oxide is a crucial building block for a wide range of products. Its largest application is in the production of polyether polyols, which are key components in the manufacture of polyurethane foams. These foams are used in furniture, automotive seating, insulation, and bedding. Propylene oxide is also used to produce propylene glycol, a solvent found in antifreeze, food, and pharmaceuticals, as well as in the synthesis of surfactants, detergents, and elastomers. Due to its reactivity and flammability, propylene oxide is handled with care in industrial settings.