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Chemical Datasheet

PROPYLENE OXIDE

3 - Flammable liquid
Chemical Identifiers | Hazards | Response Recommendations | Physical Properties | Regulatory Information | Alternate Chemical Names

Chemical Identifiers

The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 75-56-9   (PROPYLENE OXIDE)
  • Flammable Liquid
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Propylene oxideexternal_link
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
4
3 2
Blue Health 3 Can cause serious or permanent injury.
Red Flammability 4 Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
Yellow Instability 2 Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -35°F. Boiling point 95°F. Density 6.9 lb./gal. Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentrations. If contaminated, may polymerize with evolution of heat and possible rupture of container. Vapors irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged contact with skin may result in delayed burns. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a fumigant, in making detergents and lubricants, and to make other chemicals.

Hazards

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back. Vapors form explosive mixture with air. If polymerization takes place in container, there may be a violent rupture of container. Explosion hazard is severe when exposed to flame. Violently reacts with acetylide- forming metals such as copper or copper alloys, ammonium hydroxide; chlorosulfonic acid; hydrochloric acid; hydrofluoric acid; nitric acid; oleum and sulfuric acid. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid active catalytic surfaces such as anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin, and aluminum; peroxides of iron and aluminum; and alkali metal hydroxides, high temperatures; alkalies; aqueous acids; amines and acidic alcohols. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
This material is moderately toxic by inhalation and ingestion. It may cause irreversible and reversible changes. Skin contact with the material or solutions of the material cause irritation; diluted solutions are more irritating than undiluted materials. Exposure may cause mild depression of the central nervous system and eye, nasal, and lung irritation. Contact with the liquid can cause blindness and death. Pulmonary edema may recur up to 2 weeks after exposure. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
PROPYLENE OXIDE react with oxidizing agents and strong acids (NTP, 1992). Reacts with Grignard reagents and organolithium compounds. An explosion occurred when propylene oxide was added to an epoxy resin. It was concluded that polymerization was catalyzed by an amine accelerator in the resin [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995]. Underwent polymerization when mixed with sodium hydroxide causing ignition and explosion of a drum of the crude product. [Combust Sci. Technol., 1983].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

Response Recommendations

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible); polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Firefighting should be done from a safe distance or from a protected location. Wear self-contained (positive pressure if available) breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Move container from area if you can do so without risk. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire.

Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible); polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Propylene oxideexternal link:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide: QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Epoxy propane, 1,2- 75-56-9 Liquid 47 43 13*/20 >480 >480 >480
Propylene oxide, 1,2- 75-56-9 Liquid 47 43 13*/20 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.
* indicates based on lowest single value.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2024)

First Aid
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Propylene Oxide Exposure: Propylene oxide may irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Pulmonary edema may occur up to 2 weeks after exposure. Dermatitis (red, inflamed skin) is common. Other signs and symptoms of acute exposure may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Victims may appear as if they are in a drunken stupor.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to propylene oxide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to propylene oxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to propylene oxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • C3H6O
Flash Point: -35°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 2.8 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 37 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: 869°F (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: -169.83°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 445 mmHg at 68°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 2 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 0.859 at 32°F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 93.61°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 58.08 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 9.81 eV (NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH: 400 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Propylene oxide (75-56-9)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes 73 ppm 440 ppm 1300 ppm
30 minutes 73 ppm 440 ppm 1300 ppm
60 minutes 73 ppm 290 ppm 870 ppm
4 hours 73 ppm 130 ppm 390 ppm
8 hours 73 ppm 86 ppm 260 ppm
Level of Distinct Odor Awareness (LOA) = 21 ppm
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Propylene Oxide (75-56-9) 50 ppm star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1. 250 ppm 750 ppm
star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Propylene oxide; (Methyl ethylene oxide) (75-56-9) 73 ppm 290 ppm 870 ppm LEL = 23000 ppm
(DOE, 2024)

Regulatory Information

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Oxirane, methyl- 75-56-9 10000 pounds 100 pounds 100 pounds X 10000 pounds
Propylene oxide 75-56-9 10000 pounds 100 pounds 100 pounds 313 10000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Propylene oxide; [Oxirane, methyl-] 75-56-9 1.00 % 10000 pounds flammable

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.