Propylene oxide

  • Methyloxirane
  • Propene oxide
  • 1,2-Epoxy propane
  • Methyl ethylene oxide
Formula C3H6O
Structure
Description Colorless liquid, benzene-like odor.
Uses Fumigant

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 75-56-9
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 200-879-2
EC Index Number 603-055-00-4
EC Class Extremely flammable; Carcinogenic Category 2; Mutagenic Category 2; Harmful; Irritant
EC Risk Phrase R 45 46 12 E20/21/22 36/37/38
EC Safety Phrase S 53 45
RTECS TZ2975000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant
UN (DOT) 1280
Merck 12,8041
Beilstein/Gmelin 79763
Beilstein Reference 5-17-01-00017
EPA OPP 42501
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-2807
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold 35 ppm
Properties.
Formula C3H6O
Formula mass 58.08
Melting point, °C -112
Boiling point, °C 34.3
Vapor pressure, mmHg 572 (25 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 2.0
Saturation Concentration 59% (20 C)
Evaporization number 33.7 (butyl acetate=1)
Critical temperature 209.1
Critical pressure 48.6
Density 0.859 g/cm3 (0 C)
Solubility in water 405 g/L
Viscosity 0.28 cp at 25C
Surface tension 24.5 g/s2
Refractive index 1.367 (19 C)
Dipole moment 2.0 D
Partition coefficient, pKow 0.13
Thermal expansion 0.0015/K at 20 C
Heat of vaporization 27.4 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -1737 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area.
WHMIS B2 D1B D2A
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. Prevent build up of vapors to explosive concentration. This product may be under pressure; cool before opening. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.
Small spills/leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. May undergo hazardous polymerization.
Incompatibilities Alcohols, strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents and water.
Decomposition Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C -37
Autoignition, °C 430
Upper exp. limit, % 36
Lower exp. limit, % 1.9
Fire fighting Firefighting should be done from a safe distance or from a protected location. Wear self-contained (positive pressure if available) breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Move container from area if you can do so without risk. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire.Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog or foam.
Fire potential Very flammable, combustion imminent.
Hazards Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back. Vapors form explosive mixture with air. If polymerization takes place in container, there may be a violent rupture of container. Explosion hazard is severe when exposed to flame. Violently reacts with acetylide- forming metals such as copper or copper alloys, ammonium hydroxide; chlorosulfonic acid; hydrochloric acid; hydrofluoric acid; nitric acid; oleum and sulfuric acid. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid active catalytic surfaces such as anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin, and aluminum; peroxides of iron and aluminum; and alkali metal hydroxides, high temperatures; alkalies; aqueous acids; amines and acidic alcohols.
Combustion products Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
NFPA Health 3
  Flammability 4  
  Reactivity 2  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV: 20 ppm; 48 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1994-1995). OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm (240 mg/m3) NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 400 ppm
Carcinogin G-A3, I-2B, N-2, CP65
Poison_Class 1*
Exposure effects Prolonged inhalation may cause respiratory tract inflammation and lung damage. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. May cause cancer according to animal studies. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects.
   Ingestion Harmful if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.
   Inhalation Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Aspiration may cause respiratory swelling and pneumonitis. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
   Skin May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Causes severe skin irritation and possible burns. May lead to the formation of blisters.
   Eyes Produces irritation, characterized by a burning sensation, redness, tearing, inflammation, and possible corneal injury.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Possible aspiration hazard. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
   Skin Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
   Eyes Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Transport.
UN number 1280
Response guide 127
Hazard class 3
Packing Group I  
USCG CHRIS Code POX  
USCG Compatatibility Group 16 Alkylene oxides
HS Code 2910 20 00  
Std. Transport # 4906620  
IMO Chemical Code 17
IMO Pollution Category C
IMO Hazard code S/P