Ethylene oxide
CAS Number
75-21-8
EC Number
200-849-9
Abbreviation
ETO
What is Ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide (CAS 75-21-8), also known as ETO or Oxirane, is a high-volume reactive monomer and sterilizing agent.
Where is Ethylene oxide used?
- Plastics and polymers: primary monomer for ethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols and ethoxylated surfactants
- Detergent, textile and personal care manufacturing: ethoxylated surfactants
- Pharmaceutical and medical devices: gas sterilization of single-use equipment, packaging and instruments that cannot withstand heat or radiation
- Agriculture: fumigant and sterilant for spices, herbs and certain grain products
- Biotechnology and life sciences: sterilization of laboratory consumables and culture media components
- It functions as a building block for polymerization reactions and a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of downstream derivatives.
Good to know: Pharmaceutical-grade material meets USP and EP specifications for sterilization applications. Grade selection is a critical procurement decision given the regulatory requirements tied to each sector.
Commercial specifications
- Cylinders, drums or bulk tank quantities
Other Names (Synonyms)
Oxirane|1,2-Epoxyethane|Anprolene|Oxyfume|Dimethylene oxide|LS 54 (EO-PO Block Copolymer)|ETO
What are the physical properties of Ethylene oxide?
Melting Point -111 °C
Boiling Point 10.7 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 0.882 g/cm³ @ Temp: 10 °C
Flash Point <-17.7°C
Appearance Ethylene oxide is a colorless, compressed, liquefied gas or liquid (below 11℃). Sweet odor; the odor threshold is 50 ppm.
Odor Sweet odor detectable at 257 to 690 ppm
Form Colorless gas
Vapor Pressure 1095 mmHg at 20 °C
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.3597(lit.)
Log P -0.30
How is Ethylene oxide classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS08· Health Hazard GHS04· Compressed Gas GHS07· Irritant GHS09· Environmental Hazard
Hazard Statements
H220 Extremely flammable gas
H230 May react explosively even in the absence of air
H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
H301 Toxic if swallowed
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P222 Do not allow contact with air.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Ethylene oxide?
HS Code 29101000
UN Number 2037
ADR Class 2.3
Storage Class 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3
toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
WGK (Germany) 2