Properties of Ethylene Oxide (C2H4O)
Ethylene oxide is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H4O. It is a flammable, colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. Ethylene oxide is highly reactive and is commonly used in industry for sterilizing medical equipment and as a key ingredient in the production of various chemicals and materials, such as plastics, detergents, and solvents.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of ethylene oxide properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 44.05 g/mol |
| Density | 899 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 0.255 mPa·s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -112.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 10.4 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.1557 W/m·K |
| Vapor Pressure | 146 kPa |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 196 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 7.194 MPa |
| Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 140 cm3/mol |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) (7°C) | 1.3597 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flash Point | -20 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 429 °C |
| Lower Flammability Limit | 3% |
| Upper Flammability Limit | 100% |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 3 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 4 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 3 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.