Epichlorohydrin

Chembox new
Reference= ["Merck Index", 12th Edition, 3648.]
Name = (±)-Epichlorohydrin
ImageFile = Epichlorohydrin.png ImageName = Epichlorohydrin
ImageFile1 = Epichlorohydrin-3D-balls.png ImageName1 = Ball-and-stick model of the epichlorohydrin molecule
IUPACName = chloromethyloxirane
OtherNames = epichlorohydrin
1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane
γ-chloropropylene oxide
glycidyl chloride
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 106-89-8
SMILES = C1C2(O1)C2Cl
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = C₃H₅ClO
MolarMass = 92.52 g/mol
Density = 1.1812 g/cm³
MeltingPt = -25.6 °C
BoilingPt = 117.9 °C
Section7 = Chembox Hazards
ExternalMSDS = [http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/EP/epichlorohydrin.html External MSDS]
NFPA-H = 3
NFPA-R = 2
NFPA-F = 3

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. [http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/dw_contamfs/epichlor.html EPA consumer factsheet] ] 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.Fact|date=October 2008 "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. [Gould, R.F. " Advanced Propellant Chemistry", ACS Chemistry Series 54, 1966] The epichlorohydrin is reacted with an alkali nitrate, such as sodium nitrate, producing glycidyl nitrate and alkali chloride.

Epichlorohydrin is flammable, toxic and carcinogenic.

References