General
Synonyms: propylene epoxide, 1,2-propylene oxide, methyl oxirane, 1,2-epoxypropane, propene oxide, methyl ethylene oxide, AD 6, 2,3-epoxypropane, methylethylene oxide
Molecular formula: C3H6O
CAS No: 75-56-9
EC No: 200-897-2
Physical data
Appearance: colourless liquid with an ether-like odour
Melting point: -112 C
Boiling point: 34 C
Vapour density: 2 (air = 1)
Vapour pressure: 8.6 psi at 20 C
Specific gravity: 0.83
Flash point: -37 C (closed cup)
Explosion limits: 2.1 - 37 %
Autoignition temperature: 747 C
Water solubility: appreciable

Stability
Stable. Incompatible with acids, bases, oxidising agents, copper, copper alloys, brass, bronze, iron, metal chlorides, peroxides and a wide variety of other materials. Reacts with compounds containing labile hydrogen. Extremely flammable - note low boiling point, low flash point and very wide explosion limits. Moisture sensitive.

Toxicology
Probable human carcinogen. May alter genetic material. May cause impaired fertility. Human mutagenic data. Harmful by ingestion, inhalation and through skin contact. Serious irritant. Very destructive of mucous membranes. Typical TLV/TWA 20 ppm. Typical STEL 100 ppm.
Toxicity data
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section is given here.)
ORL-RAT LD50 380 mg kg-1
IHL-MUS LC50 1740 ppm/4h.
IPR-RAT LD50 150 mg kg-1
IHL-DOG LCLO 2005 ppm/4h
ORL-GPG LD50 6600 mg kg-1
IPR-RAT LD50 364 mg kg-1
SKN-RBT LD50 1500 mg kg-1

Risk phrases
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
R12 R20 R21 R22 R36 R37 R38 R45.


Transport information
(The meaning of any UN hazard codes which appear in this section is given here.)
UN Major hazard class: 3.0. Packing group: I. UN No 1280.

Personal protection
Safety glasses, gloves, good ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition from the working area. Treat as a carcinogen.
Safety phrases
(The meaning of any safety phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
S45 S53.