PRODUCTS

2-METHYLOXIRANE

2-methyloxirane is an acutely toxic and carcinogenic organic compound with the molecular formula CH3CHCH2O.
This colorless volatile liquid with an odor similar to ether, is produced on a large scale industrially.
Its major application is its use for the production of polyether polyols for use in making polyurethane plastics.
2-methyloxirane is a chiral epoxide, although it is commonly used as a racemic mixture.

CAS Number: 75-56-9
EC Number: 200-879-2
IUPAC Name: 2-methyloxirane
Chemical Formula: C3H6O

Other names: Propylene oxide, 75-56-9, 1,2-Epoxypropane, Methyloxirane, Epoxypropane, Propyleneoxide, Oxirane, methyl-, Propene oxide, 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE, Propylene epoxide, 2,3-Epoxypropane, Methyl oxirane, Methyloxacyclopropane, Methyl ethylene oxide, oxirane, 2-methyl-, Propane, epoxy-, Oxyde de propylene, AD 6 (suspending agent), Ethylene oxide, methyl-, 2-methyl-oxirane, Epihydrin, Propane, 1,2-epoxy-, 2-Methyloxiran, NCI-C50099, 2-Methyl oxirane, Methylethylene oxide, 1,2-epoxy-propane, (+/-)-Methyloxirane, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, 3-Methyl-1,2-epoxypropane, AD 6, CHEBI:38685, propylenoxide, Caswell No. 713A, Oxyde de propylene [French], CCRIS 540, HSDB 173, Oxirane, methyl-, (S)-, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%, EINECS 200-879-2, UN1280, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 042501, BRN 0079763, propeneoxide, epoxy-propane, methyl-oxirane, proplyene oxide, AI3-07541, UN 1280, 1,2-epoxipropane, rac-propylene oxide, 1,2-propylenoxide, (?-)-Methyloxirane, (RS)-methyloxirane, S(-)-Methyloxirane, 1, 2-Epoxypropane, Methyl-(S)-Oxirane, Methyl-Ethylene oxide, (rs)-propylene oxide, Propylene oxide (JAN), (?-)-1,2-Epoxypropane, (R)-(+)-Propyleneoxide, (.+/-.)-Methyloxirane, EC 200-879-2, Propylene oxide [UN1280] [Flammable liquid], 5-17-01-00017 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), (.+/-.)-1,2-Epoxypropane, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, 99%, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, 99.5%, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, >=99.5%, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, analytical standard, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, ReagentPlus(R), 99%, Propylene oxide [UN1280] [Flammable liquid], Q727742, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, purum, >=99.0% (GC), J-502426, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%, F8880-5385, Z234895723, (+/-)-Propylene oxide, puriss. p.a., >=99.5% (GC), Propylene oxide, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, Propylene oxide, extra pure, 99.5%, Propylene oxide, pure, 99%, PROPYLENEOXIDE,REAGENT, 1,2-Epoxypropane(Propylene oxide), PROPYLENOXIDE, propylene oxide 1,2-epoxypropane methyloxirane, (±)-Methyloxirane, 1,2-Epoxypropane, Propylene oxide, 99%, pure, Propylene oxide, 99.5%, extra pure, Propylene oxide, extra pure, PROPYLENE OXIDE REAGENT PLUS 99% &, PROPYLENE OXIDE, 500MG, NEAT, PROPYLENE OXIDE REAGENTPLUS(TM) 99%, PROPYLENE OXIDE, REAGENTPLUS, 99%, 1,2-EPOXYPROPANE 99+%, PropyleneOxide-TechnicalGrade, PropyleneOxide,Certified, Epihydrin, epoxy-propan, Epoxypropane, Ethylene oxide, methyl-, Methylethylene oxide, methyl-ethyleneoxid, methylethyleneoxide, methyloxacyclopropane, methyl-oxiran, NCI-C50099, Oxirane, methyl-, oxirane,methyl, oxirane,methyl-, Oxyde de propylene, ad6(suspendingagent), ai3-07541, caswellno713a, DL-methyloxirane, epapesticidechemicalcode042501, Methyl Oxirate, PROPYLENE OXIDERESEARCH GRADE, (±)-Propylene oxide,(±)-Methyloxirane, 1,2-Epoxypropane, ene oxide, PROPYLENE OXIDE, 99%PROPYLENE OXIDE, 99%PROPYLENE OXIDE, 99%PROPYLENE OXIDE, 99%, oxydedepropylene, oxydedepropylene(french), Propane, 1,2-epoxy-, Propane, epoxy-, Propylene epoxide, propyleneepoxide, 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE, 1,2-EPOXYPROPANE, (+/-)-METHYLOXIRANE, METHYLOXIRANE, PROPENE OXIDE, PO, (+/-)-PROPYLENE OXIDE, PROPYLENE OXIDE, Propyleneoxide,99%, PROPYLENE OXIDE, REAGENTPLUS, 99% (RETURNABLE CONTAINERS), (-PROPYLENE OXIDE, REAGENTPLUS, >=99%

2-methyloxirane is sometimes called 1,2-2-methyloxirane to distinguish it from its isomer 1,3-2-methyloxirane, better known as oxetane.

Production
Industrial production of 2-methyloxirane starts from propylene.
Two general approaches are employed, one involving hydrochlorination and the other involving oxidation.
In 2005, about half of the world production was through chlorohydrin technology and one half via oxidation routes.
The latter approach is growing in importance.

The mixture of 1-chloro-2-propanol and 2-chloro-1-propanol is then dehydrochlorinated
Lime (calcium hydroxide) is often used to absorb the HCl.

Oxidation of propylene
The other general route to 2-methyloxirane involves oxidation of propylene with an organic peroxide.
The reaction follows this stoichiometry:

CH3CH=CH2 + RO2H → CH3CHCH2O + ROH
The process is practiced with four hydroperoxides:

In the Halcon process, t-Butyl hydroperoxide derived from oxygenation of isobutane, which affords t-butanol.
This coproduct can be dehydrated to isobutene, converted to MTBE, an additive for gasoline.
Ethylbenzene hydroperoxide, derived from oxygenation of ethylbenzene, which affords 1-phenylethanol.
This coproduct can be dehydrated to give styrene, a useful monomer.
Cumene hydroperoxide derived from oxygenation of cumene (isopropylbenzene), which affords cumyl alcohol. Via dehydration and hydrogenation this coproduct can be recycled back to cumene.
This technology was commercialized by Sumitomo Chemical.

Hydrogen peroxide is the oxidant in the hydrogen peroxide to 2-methyloxirane (HPPO) process, catalyzed by a titanium-doped silicalite:
C3H6 + H2O2 → C3H6O + H2O
In principle, this process produces only water was a side product. In practice, some ring-opened derivatives of PO are generated.

2-methyloxirane appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor.
Flash point -35°F.
Boiling point 95°F.
Density 6.9 lb./gal.
Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentrations.
If contaminated, may polymerize with evolution of heat and possible rupture of container.
Vapors irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
Prolonged contact with skin may result in delayed burns.
Vapors heavier than air.
Used as a fumigant, in making detergents and lubricants, and to make other chemicals.

Uses:
The major use of 2-methyloxirane is in the production of polyethers (the primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol.
Used mainly as a chemical intermediate; it has been used as a food fumigant (dried fruit and bulk), but use was restricted in 1996 by the EPA.
Used to prepare slides for electron microscopy and to disinfect the skin;
Chemical intermediate in prepn of polyethers to form polyurethanes; in prepn of urethane polyols and propylene and dipropylene glycols; in prepn of lubricants, surfactants, oil demulsifiers.
Also as a solvent; fumigant; soil sterilant.

2-methyloxirane is an excellent low-boiling solvent and raw material of organic synthesis, being able to be used for the preparation of propylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol, polyester resin, foam and surfactants.
2-methyloxirane can also be used as the solvent of cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose and resin solvents.
2-methyloxirane can react with ammonia to produce isopropanolamine (monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine and triisopropanolamine).
Isopropanolamine is alkaline, being able to absorb acidic gas, widely used in gas purification such as the desulfurization of synthetic ammonia industry and decarbonation.

2-methyloxirane is mainly used in the production of propylene glycol, polyether polyols, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol ether and synthetic glycerin, also used in the manufacture of isopropanolamine, propylene carbonate;
2-methyloxirane can be used for the manufacturing of organic synthesis and plastics, also used as solvents, chromatography standards;
Epoxypropane is an intermediate of metolachlor and is also an important chemical industrial raw material for the organic synthesis.

2-methyloxirane can be used for the production of propylene glycol, propylene alcohol, propionaldehyde, isopropylamine, synthetic glycerol, organic acid, etc., and can also used for preparing nonionic surfactant, wetting agents, emulsifiers, detergents and the like.
2-methyloxirane is an important organic chemical raw material.
2-methyloxirane is the third largest product of propylene system.

The largest use is to produce poly (polyether), which is used in the distribution of US and Western Europe.
The application in the aspect accounts respectively for 60% and 70% or more.
2-methyloxirane can be used for the manufacturing of propylene Glycol, organic Acids, Synthetic Resins, Foam Plasticizers, Plasticizers, Emulsifiers, Wetting Agents, Detergents, Bactericides, fumigants and the like.
2-methyloxirane-derived fine chemicals are used in virtually all industrial sectors and in everyday life.

2-methyloxirane can be used as disinfectant.
2-methyloxirane is important petrochemical raw materials for the production of polyether, propylene glycol, surfactants, foaming agent, demulsifier and mineral processing agent.
The usage amount of 2-methyloxirane for various kinds of applications: polyether polyol (raw materials of polyurethane plastic): Propylene glycol: (raw material of unsaturated polyester resin) 60%; 8% to 10%; reinforced plastics and non-toxic solvents: 20%~25%; surfactant: 5% to 10%.
2-methyloxirane can be used as a dehydrating agent for the preparation of slides in electron microscopy.
Occupational dermatitis was also reported while using a skin disinfectant swab.

Chemical intermediate in preparation of polyethers to form polyurethanes, in preparation of urethane polyols and propylene and dipropylene glycols; in preparation of lubricants, surfactants, oil demulsifiers.
As solvent; fumigant; soil sterilant.
2-methyloxirane is used as a fumigant forfoodstuffs, as a stabilizer for fuels, heat-ing oils, and chlorinated hydrocarbons; asa fuel–air explosive in munitions, and toenhance the decay resistance of wood andparticleboar.
Recentstudies indicate that the fumigant potentialof 2-methyloxirane enhances at a low pres-sure of 100 mm Hg which could render it asan alternative to methyl bromide for rapiddisinfection of commodities.

Important petrochemical raw materials for the production of Polyether, propylene glycol, surfactant, foaming agent, demulsifier, mineral processing agents
important raw materials for organic synthesis, used in the manufacture of propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propionaldehyde, synthetic glycerin, organic acids, synthetic resins, foams, plasticizers, surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, bactericide, fumigant, etc.
The major use of 2-methyloxirane is in the production of polyethers (the primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol.
2-methyloxirane is also used in the fumigation of foodstuffs and plastic medical instruments and in the manufacture of dipropylene glycol and glycol ethers, as herbicides, as solvents, and in the preparation of lubricants, surfactants, and oil demulsifiers.

Production Methods
2-methyloxirane is synthesized commercially from propylene through the intermediate propylene chlorohydrin.
2-methyloxirane also can be made by peroxidation of propylene using alkylhydroperoxides, but this method produces coproducts as well, often styrene or cumene.
2-methyloxirane is also synthesized via oxidation of propylene with hydrogen peroxide, which produceswater as the only coproduct.

General Description
A clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -35°F.
Boiling point 95°F.
Density 6.9 lb./gal.
Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentrations.
If contaminated, may polymerize with evolution of heat and possible rupture of container.
Vapors irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
Prolonged contact with skin may result in delayed burns.
Vapors heavier than air.
Used as a fumigant, in making detergents and lubricants, and to make other chemicals.

Industrial uses
2-methyloxirane finds its largest use as chemical intermediates.
2-methyloxirane reacts readily with dilute amounts of mineral acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) to form the chlorohydrin addition product.
This reactivity with acid makes this epoxy solvent valuable acid acceptor-type stabilizers for several chlorinated solvents.
Trace amounts of hydrogen chloride from chlorinated solvent degradation are immediately neutralized by reaction with the 2-methyloxirane stabilizer.
Reaction of 2-methyloxirane with an alcohol or phenol in the presence of an acid catalyst yields the monoether of propylene glycol.

Physical and Chemical Properties
Colorless, low-boiling flammable liquid with ether odor. Industrial products are racemic mixtures of two optical isomers.

boiling point 34.24 ℃
freezing point -112.13 ℃
relative density 0.859
refractive index 1.3664
flash point <-37 ℃
solubility partially miscible with water [40.5% by weight solubility in water at 20 °c, water has a solubility of 12.8% by weight in 2-methyloxirane], is miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, and forms a binary azeotrope with dichloromethane, pentane, pentene, cyclopentane, cyclopentene, etc.

2-methyloxirane (PO) is a colourless, reactive liquid used primarily as a building block for the manufacture of a versatile range of derivative products.
PO can be produced using a number of technologies including the Shell proprietary 'SM/PO' process.

PO derivatives and their applications include:

polyether polyols (poly-alcohols) for use in urethane applications such as rigid foam, flexible foam, and Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomer (CASE) systems
polyether polyols for use in non-urethane applications such as surfactants and oil demulsifiers
propylene glycol for aeroplane de-icers, fibreglass-reinforced unsaturated polyester resins, and hydraulic fluids
2-methyloxirane glycol ethers and propylene carbonate solvents
butanediol for engineering plastics and fibres
polyalkylene glycol fuel additives and lubricants
modified starches and allyl alcohols

Industry Uses
Adhesives and sealant chemicals
Flame retardants
Food Additive
Fuels and fuel additives
Functional fluids (closed systems)
Intermediates
Lubricants and lubricant additives
Processing aids, specific to petroleum production
Surface active agents

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products
Auto Products
Commercial / Institutional
Home Maintenance
Inside the Home
Personal Care

General Manufacturing Information
Industry Processing Sectors
Adhesive manufacturing
All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
Food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing
Paint and coating manufacturing
Petrochemical manufacturing

Chemical properties
2-methyloxirane （PO） is a clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor.
The industrial products are the racemic mixture for two optical isomers. I
2-methyloxirane can be partially miscible with water [the solubility at 20 °C in water is 40.5% by weight; water solubility in 2-methyloxirane is 12.8% by weight].
2-methyloxirane can be miscible with ethanol and ethyl ether and form a binary azeotrope with dichloromethane, pentane, pentene, cyclopentane and cyclopentene.
2-methyloxirane molecule contains an asymmetrical carbon atom, being able to carry out many chemical reactions.

2-methyloxirane has slightly lower chemical activity than ethylene oxide with reaction with active hydrogen (such as water, alcohols, acids, amines) containing material, with ring-opening to form diol, alcohol ether and alcohol amine.
Hydrolysis reaction can generate propylene glycol with etherification reaction leading to the formation of alcohol ether.
Under the action of catalyst, it can produce polyether polyol.
Reaction with glycerol can generate polyether triol.
2-methyloxirane can react with carboxylic acid to generate ester.

2-methyloxirane can react with ammonia, leading to the formation of alcohol amine.
2-methyloxirane can react with hydrogen halide to generate halogenated alcohol.
2-methyloxirane can react with hydrogen sulfide to generate mercaptan formation.
2-methyloxirane can react with thiophenol to generate hydroxypropyl benzene sulfide.
Under the catalysis of the trimethylamine, it can react with carbon disulfide, leading to the formation of allyl trithiocarbonate.
Under the action of catalyst, it can be isomerized to generate propionaldehyde.

Production method
There are mainly chlorohydrin method and indirect oxidation.

Chlorohydrin method; apply propylene, chlorine and water for being acidified by hypochlorous at 60 °C under normal pressure to generate chloropropanol, followed by saponification, condensation and distillation to derive.

Indirect oxidation:
it is derived from the oxidation of ethylbenzene (or isobutane, cumene, etc.) to form hydrogen peroxide ethylbenzene (or tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, etc.), which further has epoxidation with propylene in the catalysis of naphthenic acid molybdenum.
Electrochemical Chlorohydrin Method: this method is based on the principle that the aqueous solution of sodium chloride (or potassium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide) for electrolysis to generate chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
Send the propylene in the anode area to generate chlorine alcohol, which further reacts with sodium hydroxide to generate 2-methyloxirane in the cathode area.

The preparation method is as follows.
Chlorohydrin method
Take propylene as raw materials, followed by hypochlorous acidification, saponification, and then enrichment and distillation to derive the products.
The reaction of propylene with hypochlorous acid is carried out in an aqueous solution, and the chlorine gas is mixed with hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid in water.

The reaction temperature is 30-50 DEG C, and the produced aqueous chloropropanol and 10% lime milk are saponified in a saponification reactor for saponification, the saponification kettle is sent into the water vapor, steaming out the 2-methyloxirane, and then subject to condensed distillation derived products.
CH3CH = CH2 + HOCl →CH3CHOHCH2Cl + CH3CHClCH2OH

This method requires a low purity of propylene, and the yield is high, but it consuming large amounts of chlorine and lime milk, equipment with serious corrosion on the device, resulting in environmental pollution problems. 2-methyloxirane is mainly adopted in China to produce 2-methyloxirane.

Peroxide method
The main process is the manufacture of organic hydrogen peroxide.
Apply peroxide for oxidation of propylene.
This reaction is always liquid phase reaction either in the production of organic hydrogen peroxide or in the presence of a catalyst for the transfer of oxygen from the peroxide to the propylene molecule.

In addition to produce the 2-methyloxirane as the main product, there are also co-products.
Current ways that has realized industrialization include ethyl benzene Haakon method and isobutane Haakon method.
Ethylbenzene Haakon mainly adopts ethylbenzene as raw material for production of ethylbenzene hydroperoxide by oxidation.

Under the catalyst of copper naphthenate, it is subject to propylene epoxidation reaction, generating 2-methyloxirane as well as alpha-phenylethanol simultaneously, followed by dehydration to give the styrene.
The reaction temperature of ethylbenzene oxidation is 130-150 ℃, the pressure is 0.07-0.14 MPa, the selectivity of generating ethylbenzene hydroperoxide is 90%; the temperature of epoxidation is 50-120 ℃; The pressure is between atmospheric pressure to 0.864 MPa.

For example, a mixture of 14% of ethylbenzene hydroperoxide, 35% of propylene, 50% of ethylbenzene and 1% of α-phenylethanol is added to 0.4% of naphthenic acid manganese naphthenate (nMo/nNa = 2 , Molar ratio) to be as the catalyst for reaction at 1.5 h at 100 ℃, resulting conversion rate of ethylbenzene hydroperoxide, 99% and selectivity of 2-methyloxirane as 78%.
The reaction product can be obtained by distillation of 2-methyloxirane to obtain the finished product.
The α-phenylethanol, in the dehydration reactor, is subject to dehydration at 250-280 ℃ using TiO3-Al2O3 as catalyst, resulting a conversion rate to styrene of 100% with a selectivity of 92%.

The features of the method:
low cost, being economic and reasonable, less waste, with co-production of styrene.
Isobutane Haakon method uses isobutane as raw material, via oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide, further being reacted with propylene to generate 2-methyloxirane and tert-butyl alcohol.
The whole process is similar to ethylbenzene Haakon method.
Manufacturing of tert-butyl hydroperoxide was carried out at 100~110 °C without catalyst, usually using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as initiator.
Epoxidation of propylene was carried out under the conditions of reaction temperature 121 °C and pressure of 4.1 MPa to be carried out in the presence of molybdenum catalyst.

The reaction time is 0.5 h with the yield of 2-methyloxirane 88% (peroxides), selectivity of 81%.
(CH3) 2CHCH3 + O2 → (CH3) 3COOH + (CH3) 3COH (CH3) 3COOH

Chemical Properties
2-methyloxirane is soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents.
2-methyloxirane is found to be an excellent low-boiling solvent for cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, adhesive compositions and vinyl chloride-acetate resins.
2-methyloxirane is also a solvent for hydrocarbons, gums and shellac.
Some of its uses are as a solvent and stabilizer in DDT aerosol-type insecticides, and as a fumigant and food preservative.
Since it is an acid acceptor, it is also used as a stabilizer for vinyl chloride resins and other chlorinated systems.

Physical properties
2-methyloxirane is a colorless liquid with an agreeable, ether-like odor.
Experimentally determined detection and recognition odor threshold concentrations were 24 mg/m3 (10 ppmv) and 84 μg/m3 (35 ppmv), respectively.

Nature
colorless, low-boiling flammable liquid with ether odor.
The industrial product is a racemic mixture of two optical isomers.
Freezing point -112.13 °c.
Boiling point 34. 24 °c.
The relative density was 0.859.
Flash point <-37 °c, refractive index 3664.
Viscosity (25 ℃ )0.28mPa.s is partially miscible with water [40.5% by weight solubility in water at 20 °c; Water solubility in 2-methyloxirane 12. 8% by weight] is miscible with ethanol, ether, and forms a binary azeotrope with dichloromethane, pentane, pentene, cyclopentane, cyclopentene, etc.

Preparation Method
There are mainly chlorine alcohol method and indirect oxidation method.

chlorohydrin method from propylene and chlorine gas, water under normal pressure and 60 deg C by hypochlorous acid to produce chloropropanol, and then saponification, condensation, distillation.
indirect oxidation of ethylbenzene (or isobutane, cumene, etc.) via oxidation to ethylbenzene hydroperoxide (or tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, etc, it is obtained by The epoxidation reaction with propylene.
electrochemical chlorohydrin method this method uses an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (or potassium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide) to generate chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide by electrolysis.
Propylene is introduced into the anode region to generate chloropropanol, the reaction of chloropropanol with sodium hydroxide in the cathode zone generates 2-methyloxirane.

2-methyloxirane (PO) is required to produce polyether polyols, propylene glycols, 1,4-butanediol, and many more.
2-methyloxirane is mainly applied as a central precursor for polyurethane systems used to manufacture rigid foams used primarily as superior insulation materials, flexible foams used for seat cushioning, bedding, furniture, and non-foams in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and others.

2-methyloxirane undergoes ring-opening upon treating with nucleophiles such as Grignard reagents or organolithium compounds to yield corresponding secondary alcohols.
2-methyloxirane can be used in the synthesis of ligands to prepare of Pb(II) based coordination nets for the fabrication of white light-emitting diode materials.
2-methyloxirane is a key starting material for the total synthesis of arenolide and (+)-aspicilin.

Solubility
Miscible with water, acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methanol and ether.

Applications
2-methyloxirane is used as a precursor in the production of polyether polyols, which is utilized for making polyurethane plastics, polypropylene glycols, propylene glycol ethers and propylene carbonate.
2-methyloxirane is involved in the preparation of biological samples for electron microscopy.
2-methyloxirane plays a vital role in the removal of residual ethanol previously used for dehydration.
Further, it is used in thermobaric weapons, and microbial fumigation.
2-methyloxirane is also used as solvents, and in the preparation of surfactants, lubricants and in oil demulsifiers.

2-methyloxirane (PO) is an extremely versatile chemical intermediate used to produce a wide range of industrial and commercial products.
2-methyloxirane is a colorless, low-boiling point and highly volatile liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor.
2-methyloxirane is highly flammable and reactive, storage and unloading areas must be appropriately designed and monitored.

Uses:
Intermediate to produce numerous downstream materials

2-methyloxirane is used as a monomer in polymer production and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other substances.
2-methyloxirane is also used as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of:

Polyols used in polyurethane foam manufacture for the furniture and automotive industries, and coatings, adhesives and sealants
Propylene glycol ethers for use as solvents in paints, inks, coatings, resins, cleaners and waxes Butanediol and related products for speciality resins and solvents Propylene glycols, which can be used in:
the production of unsaturated polyester resins, especially in the construction, transportation, automotive and marine industries
as a solvent in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
in engine coolants and aircraft de-icers

This is a colorless volatile liquid with an ether odor and is ion polymerizable.
2-methyloxirane is used in raw materials for propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, isopropanolamine, allyl alcohol and propylene carbonate, etc.

Main uses
Propylene glycol (raw material for polyester resin, etc.), polypropylene glycol (raw material for urethane foam, etc.), raw material for pigments, intermediary bodies of pharmaceuticals, and disinfectants, etc.

2-methyloxirane is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 000 tonnes per annum.
2-methyloxirane is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.

Consumer Uses
2-methyloxirane is used in the following products: hydraulic fluids, lubricants and greases, adhesives and sealants, anti-freeze products, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, finger paints and heat transfer fluids.
Other release to the environment of 2-methyloxirane is likely to occur from: outdoor use, indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).

Other release to the environment of 2-methyloxirane is likely to occur from: indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).

Widespread uses by professional workers
2-methyloxirane is used in the following products: pH regulators and water treatment products, laboratory chemicals and polymers.
2-methyloxirane has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
2-methyloxirane is used in the following areas: health services and scientific research and development.
2-methyloxirane is used for the manufacture of: chemicals and .
Other release to the environment of 2-methyloxirane is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners).

Formulation
2-methyloxirane is used in the following products: polymers and laboratory chemicals.
Release to the environment of 2-methyloxirane can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, manufacturing of the substance and as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates).
Uses at industrial sites
2-methyloxirane is used in the following products: polymers, laboratory chemicals, pH regulators and water treatment products, coating products, metal surface treatment products and lubricants and greases.

2-methyloxirane has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
2-methyloxirane is used for the manufacture of: chemicals.
Release to the environment of 2-methyloxirane can occur from industrial use: as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), for thermoplastic manufacture, manufacturing of the substance and formulation of mixtures.

Release to the environment of 2-methyloxirane can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, formulation of mixtures and for thermoplastic manufacture.