Propylene Oxide CAS 75-56-9

What Propylene Oxide Is

Propylene Oxide, also called methyloxirane, is a simple epoxide after ethylene oxide, a three membered ring with a methyl group. The colorless liquid boils near room temperature, is partly miscible with water and with alcohol and ether. The strained ring reacts with water, alcohols and amines to give diols, ethers and amines. Under UN 1280 it is handled as highly flammable. UATChem supplies industrial material with assay and aldehydes on the COA.

Polyether Polyol, Glycol, Ether and Amine Uses

• Polyether polyols. Ring opening polymerization gives polyether polyols used in flexible and rigid polyurethane foam, elastomers, adhesives, sealants and coatings, the largest outlet for the oxide.
• Propylene glycol. Hydrolysis gives propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol for antifreeze, functional fluids, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Details for the downstream product are on the propylene glycol page.
• Glycol ethers and amines. It forms propylene glycol ether solvents and, with ammonia, mono, di and tri isopropanolamines, and it is also used for propylene carbonate and oilfield demulsifiers.

Typical Specifications

Assay, water and aldehyde content vary by grade and are reported on the COA and TDS, while flammability and safe handling are covered by the SDS; the table below identifies the material.

Packaging, Documents and Ordering

• Orders ship in plastic or galvanized steel drums, and bulk volumes in IBC totes, matching the photos. Keep the liquid sealed and cool, away from heat and flame because of the very low flash point.
• Under UN 1280 the material is handled as a highly flammable liquid, and every lot comes with a COA, TDS and SDS covering assay, water, aldehydes and emergency advice.
• Samples are available for evaluation. To quote, UATChem needs the grade, quantity, packing and destination port.

FAQ

Q: What is propylene oxide used for?

A: Propylene Oxide goes into polyether polyols for polyurethane, propylene glycol, glycol ethers, isopropanolamines, carbonate.

Q: How is propylene oxide packed?

A: UATChem supplies it as a colorless liquid in plastic and galvanized steel drums and IBC totes, with other packing on request.

Q: Why is propylene oxide so reactive?

A: The strained three membered ring opens with water, alcohols, acids and amines, giving diols, ethers, esters and amines.

Q: What documents come with propylene oxide?

A: Every lot has a COA, TDS and SDS covering assay, water and aldehydes, the UN 1280 flammable class and safe handling.