E2638-ETO
Ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide is a highly reactive, toxic, and flammable colorless gas and one of the most
important raw materials used in large-scale chemical production. It is used also as a
sterilant and fungicide.
Other names: epoxyethane, ethylene oxide, dimethylene oxide, oxacyclopropane, 1,2-Epoxy
ethane. Proper IUPAC name: oxirane.
Chemical formula
Molar weight
Relative gas density (to air)
Conversion
Boiling point
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in air
Odor
Odor threshold
Hazards
TWA
Exposure limits
(OSHA)
STEL
Conversion of ppm to mg/m
Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Ethylene oxide is a slow
Exposure routes are inhalation, ingestion, (liquid), skin,
3
is calculated for 25°C and 1 atm.
poison with carcinogenic, mutagenic, irritating, and
3
Rev 10.03.2021
C
H
O
2
4
1 ppm = 1.80 mg/m
10.7 °C
Pungent, ether-like
430 ppm
Flammable.
anesthetic effect
and/or eye contact.
44
1.52
3
3
100
1 ppm
5 ppm