- Propiolactone
Chembox new
Name = Propiolactone
ImageFile = propiolactone.png
ImageName =
IUPACName = 2-oxatanone
OtherNames = Propiolactone
β-propiolactone
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 57-57-8
SMILES = C1(=O)CCO1
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = C3H4O2
MolarMass = 72.06 g/mol
Density = 1.146 g/cm3
MeltingPt = -33.4 °C
BoilingPt = 162 °C (dec.)Propiolactone, or β-propiolactone, is an
organic compound classified as alactone containing a four-membered ring. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor, although given that propiolactone is "reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen" (IARC 1999) smelling propiolactone is not advisable. It is well soluble in water and miscible withethanol ,acetone ,diethyl ether andchloroform . It will slowly react with water to hydrolize to produce3-hydroxypropanoic acid (hydracryclic acid).Propiolactone was once widely used in the manufacture of
acrylic acid and its esters, but its use has been mostly phased out in favor of safer and less expensive alternatives. Propiolactone is a disinfectant and has been used to sterilize blood plasma, vaccines, tissue grafts, surgical instruments, and enzymes. The principal current use of propiolactone is an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemical compounds.References
*"Merck Index", 12th Edition, 8005.
* [http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s154bpro.pdf "β-Propiolactone"] - NIH substance profile
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