Epoxides

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.

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.

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.

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.

Butylene oxide, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, endrin, epibromohydrin, epichlorohydrin, styrene oxide, heptachlor epoxide, diepoxybutane.