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Reactive Group Datasheet

Epoxides

What are reactive groups?

Reactive groups are categories of chemicals that typically react in similar ways because they are similar in their chemical structure. Each substance with a chemical datasheet has been assigned to one or more reactive groups, and CAMEO Chemicals uses the reactive group assignments to make its reactivity predictions. More info about reactivity predictions...

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There are 76 chemical datasheets assigned to this reactive group.

Description

Flammability
Epoxides present serious fire and explosion hazards. Vapors are heavier than air, so flashback to source is a danger, along with rupture of a closed container.
Reactivity
Materials in this group are highly reactive and may release significant heat when they polymerize, particularly lower molecular weight compounds. They polymerize in the presence of catalysts or when heated. These polymerization reactions can be violent. Compounds in this group react with acids, bases, and oxidizing and reducing agents. They react, possibly violently, with water in the presence of acid and other catalysts.
Toxicity
Corrosive and irritating to mucous membranes, eyes, respiratory tract. Direct contact with skin will cause irritation. Toxic when absorbed through the skin. Fumes are serious inhalation hazard. Certain people have a particular sensitivity to epoxides and the resins they form.
Other Characteristics
Compounds in this group contain a three-membered ring (oxirane) consisting of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. They are used in organic synthesis and are polymerized to form epoxy resins. Also used as solvents in synthetic reactions such as gums, cellulose esters, paints, varnishes, enamels, and lacquers.
Examples
Butylene oxide, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, endrin, epibromohydrin, epichlorohydrin, styrene oxide, heptachlor epoxide, diepoxybutane.

Reactivity Documentation

Use the links below to find out how this reactive group interacts with any of the reactive groups in the database.

The predicted hazards and gas byproducts for each reactive group pair will be displayed, as well as documentation and references that were used to make the reactivity predictions.

Mix Epoxides with: