Chemistry [[Module Three]] Epoxyethane

- more commonly known as ethylene oxide

- highly reactive

- manufactured on large scale

- used in synthesis of important products

* Ethane 1,2-diol

* non-ionic surfactants

[[Production]]

- produced commercially by direct partial oxidation of ethene

- using oxygen/air

- silver based catalyst

- care needed in making and handling

- product = colourless gas

- product = flammable and explosive

- is toxic and may cause respiratory system irritation and neurological effects

- gas is excellent sterilising agent agaisnt bacteria.

[[Reactions]]

-three membered ring makes epoxyethane very reactive towards nucleophiles

Nucleophiles = An electron Pair Donor

-Exothermic reactions with nucleophiles cause the ring to open

- primary products contain 2-hydroxyethyl groups.

[Reaction With Water]

- half epoxyethane commercial produced is converted to ethane 1,2-diol by reaction with water

- Exothermic reaction

- Slow at room temperature

- acid catalyst used

- In industry = epoxyethane treated with ten-fold molar excess of water,, 60 degrees and sulphuric acid.

- Resulting solution is condensed by evapouration and fractional distilation

- yield is 90%

- other product = HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH