Chemical Properties
Ethylene oxide is a colorless, compressed, liquefied gas or liquid (below 11℃). Sweet odor; the odor
threshold is 50 ppm.
Potential Exposure
Ethylene oxide is a man-made chemical used in the production of glycols (ethylene glycol, polyglycols, glycol ethers, esters), nontonic surface-active
agent; ethanolamines, acrylonitrile, plastics. It is also used
as a fumigant for foodstuffs and textiles; an agricultural
fungicide; and for sterilization, especially for surgical
instruments. It is used in drug synthesis and as a pesticide
intermediate
Shipping
UN1040 Ethylene oxide or Ethylene oxide with
nitrogen up to a total pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar) at 50℃,
Hazard Class: 2.3; Labels: 2.3-Poisonous gas, 2.1-
Flammable gas, Inhalation Hazard Zone D. Cylinders must
be transported in a secure upright position, in a wellventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical
damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the
only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport
and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express
written permission of the owner
Incompatibilities
May form explosive mixture with air.
Chemically unstable. Dangerously reactive; may rearrange
chemically and/or polymerize violently with evolution of
heat; when in contact with highly active catalytic surfaces,
such as anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin and aluminum;
pure oxides of iron and aluminum; and alkali metal hydroxides. Even small amounts of strong acids; alkalis, or oxidizers can cause a reaction. Avoid contact with copper.
Protect container from physical damage, sun and heat.
Attacks some plastics, rubber or coatings.
Waste Disposal
Return refillable compressed
gas cylinders to supplier. Concentrated waste containing no
peroxides-discharge liquid at a controlled rate near a pilot
flame. Concentrated waste containing peroxides-perforation
of a container of the waste from a safe distance followed
by open burning
