1,4-Dioxane is a hexahydroxy heterocyclic compound containing two oxygen heteroatoms. molecular formula C4H8O2，a colorless, flammable liquid, slight ether smell, photosensitive. Its Vapor can easily form explosive peroxides by absorbing oxygen in the air. Explosion limit 1.97%-1.97% (volume), It should be disposed by reducing agent in distillation process. Melting point 11.8 ℃, boiling point of 101 ℃ (750 mmHg), density 1.0337 (20/4 ℃), refractive index 1.4224, flash point12℃. Soluble in water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents. It can form azeotrope with water (water content 18.6%) and the boiling point is 87.8 ℃. It turns bright yellow when reacting with tetranitromethane. Trace amount of 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol(BHT) is often added to the commodity as a stabilizer. Low toxicity, half lethal dose (rats, oral) 4200 mg/kg. A possible carcinogen, an irritating chemical. 1,4-Dioxane can be prepared by dehydration of ethylene glycol by sulfuric acid and it is the indirect product in the production of epoxy ethane. As a good organic solvent, it has a wide application such as the solvent for cellulose acetate and lots of resins. It Is mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry as extraction agent, as a stabilizer in the production of 1,1,1 – trichloroethane as a volatile solvent in the production of polyurethane in place of dimethylformamide and tetrahydrofuran, as stripping agent in the crafts of coating and painting, as a solvent and dispersant in the dye industry, as a stabilizer in printing ink, and also as treatment agent for metal surface. In addition , it can also be used in cosmetics, spices manufacture, electroplating, etc.
