Abstract

Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas that condenses at low temperatures into a liquid and is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Its vapors are flammable and explosive. Ethylene oxide can be relatively toxic as both a liquid or gas, and is considered as a potential human carcinogen and reproductive hazard.

Ethylene oxide was first prepared from ethylene chlorohydrin and aqueous potassium hydroxide in 1859. It was first produced commercially during World War I in Germany by the chlorohydrin process. In 1931, direct oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide was achieved by using a silver catalyst. The chlorohydrin process was quickly replaced by the direct oxidation process, and is still the dominate technology.

Ethylene oxide is a highly reactive compound; it is used industrially as an intermediate for many chemical products. The total world consumption in 2002 was 14.7 × 10⁶ metric tons, about 73% was used in the production of ethylene glycol. Other derivatives of ethylene oxide include glycol ethers, ethanolamines, and surfactants. Ethylene glycol for polyester production is still a firm market.