© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: 1,2-Epoxypropane
Synonyms: Propylene oxide, Methyloxirane
Molecular Formula: C3H6O
Uses: Widely found in the production of polyurethane plastics, fumigants, and as an intermediate for making other chemicals
Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid with an ether-like smell
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at low parts per million; sharp and sweet scent reminiscent of plastic factories
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicity (inhalation and oral), skin corrosion and irritation, carcinogenicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, causes skin and eye irritation, suspected of causing genetic defects and cancer, may cause respiratory irritation
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Coughing, headache, dizziness, irritation of respiratory passages, skin redness, eye watering
Main Ingredient: 1,2-Epoxypropane (pure, or major component in mixtures)
Chemical Identity: Propylene oxide, CAS Number 75-56-9
Common Impurities: Water (trace), residual process solvents in industrial grades
Concentration: Usually over 99% in laboratory or bulk chemical form
Inhalation: Move person to air that feels fresher, support breathing if breathing gets shallow; medical attention for continued symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting lids; seek medical help especially if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting; get medical attention right away
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide – avoid water jets
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air; can travel to an ignition source and flashback
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating organic fumes
Special Protective Equipment: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus recommended for all responders
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, use proper protective equipment
Methods for Containment: Stop leak if safe, dike to prevent entry into water or sewers
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb with inert material like sand or vermiculite, collect in proper waste container
Handling Practices: Work in areas with good ventilation, keep away from ignition sources, avoid breathing fumes or contact with skin
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool and well-ventilated spot separate from strong acids, alkalies, and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Avoid copper, brass, and aluminum equipment; materials that promote polymerization
Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA recommends an 8-hour time-weighted average of 100 ppm
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust at points of vapor release, maintain negative air pressure in storage; regular gas monitoring
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, flame-resistant clothing
Respiratory Protection: Approved air-purifying or supplied-air respirators during spills or high concentrations
Boiling Point: About 34°C (93°F)
Melting Point: −112°C (−170°F)
Flash Point: −37°C (−35°F)
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Solubility: Easily mixes with water, alcohol, and most organic solvents
Density: Lighter than water
Chemical Stability: Unstable if not stabilized, can undergo runaway polymerization especially in presence of catalysts
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, exposure to direct sunlight, moisture
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reactions with acids, bases, amines, and oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, irritating vapors
Acute Toxicity: Exposure through inhalation, skin, or swallowing causes irritation, nausea, headache, and in severe cases, unconsciousness
Chronic Exposure Effects: Evidence links repeated exposure to development of tumors in animal studies and irritation of lungs and skin
Carcinogenic Status: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by IARC and NTP; some workplace studies point to increased cancer risk with ongoing exposure
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergies, but contact sometimes brings dermatitis
Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life; breaks down relatively fast in air and water, but spills can harm waterways
Persistence/Degradability: Short-lived in environment; hydrolyzes in water, sunlight speeds up breakdown
Bioaccumulation: Low potential, doesn’t build up in fish or wildlife tissues
Waste Handling: Collect and place into sealed containers, keep away from open drains and sewers
Method of Disposal: Burn in approved chemical incinerator equipped for halogen scrubbing
Precautions: Only properly trained people should manage disposal, as vapors and liquid both pose serious hazard in confined spaces
Shipping Classification: Regulated as dangerous goods, usually under flammable liquid regulations
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, may require temperature controls and dedicated transport routes
Packing Group: Often assigned to Packing Group I or II, indicating high or moderate danger
Labeling: Flammable and toxic symbols for international and domestic shipment
Federal Regulations: Listed as hazardous air pollutant under US Clean Air Act; covered by OSHA workplace standards
International Listings: Registered as a hazardous substance under GHS, European CLP Regulation, Japan’s CSCL, and China’s catalog of hazardous chemicals
Worker Protection Rules: Many countries enforce strict employee training and air monitoring, demand exposure below set thresholds, and spell out what to do in the event of spills or health symptoms
