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| (±)-Epichlorohydrin[1] | |
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| IUPAC name | chloromethyloxirane |
| Other names | epichlorohydrin 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane γ-chloropropylene oxide glycidyl chloride |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [106-89-8] |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C3H5ClO |
| Molar mass | 92.52 g/mol |
| Density | 1.1812 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
-25.6 °C |
| Boiling point |
117.9 °C |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| NFPA 704 |
 3
3
2
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| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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Epichlorohydrin is a reactive organic compound. It is an epoxide and an organochloride. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, garlic-like odor that is insoluble in water, but miscible with most polar organic solvents.[2] Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive compound and will polymerize upon treatment with acid or strong base.
Epichlorohydrin is manufactured from propylene through the intermediacy of allyl chloride. A major industrial use of epichlorohydrin has been in the production of glycerin, though this application has become less attractive as glycerine is a major byproduct of biodiesel production. Indeed, at least three companies have announced plans to convert glycerine to epichlorohydrin.citation needed "Epi" is also used as a building block in the manufacture of plastics, epoxy resins, phenoxy resins and other polymers. It used as a solvent for cellulose, resins and paints and it has found use as an insect fumigant.
Epichlorohydrin is a precursor to glycidyl nitrate, an energetic binder used in explosive and propellant compositions.[3] The epichlorohydrin is reacted with an alkali nitrate, such as sodium nitrate, producing glycidyl nitrate and alkali chloride.
Epichlorohydrin is flammable, toxic and carcinogenic.[2]
References
- ^ Merck Index, 12th Edition, 3648.
- ^ a b EPA consumer factsheet
- ^ Gould, R.F. Advanced Propellant Chemistry, ACS Chemistry Series 54, 1966
