2-methyl-2-butene oxide, 2,3-epoxy-2-methylbutane,
C5H10O, Mr 86.14, is a clear, colorless liquid
with a stringent, ether-like odor; color (Hazen
scale) 5; bp 73℃ (101.3 kPa); mp -83℃; flash
point (Seta flash) < 15℃; n20D 1.3860; 8 % soluble in
water (unstable) and soluble in polar organic
solvents .
Isoamylene oxide is used commercially for stabilizing the chlorinated hydrocarbons 1,1,1- trichloroethane and trichloroethylene. These hydrocarbons are frequently used in metal cleaning (including light metal alloys) and must, therefore, be stabilized against decomposition and formation of acidic substances during storage and application. The basic stabilizer system consists of either an organic amine or a nitro compound and a low-molecular mass epoxide, to which additional components may be added.
2,3-Epoxy-2-methylbutane can be prepared by various
methods, e.g., via the chlorohydrin route, with
percarboxylic acid, or with hydrogen peroxide in
a catalyzed reaction.
