Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide—also known as oxirane and abbreviated as EO—is a toxic, flammable, and explosive organic chemical with the molecular formula C2H4O; it is one of the simplest epoxides.

Chemical Properties

Product Usage

Production of ethylene glycol: The primary use of ethylene oxide is the production of ethylene glycol, a key raw material for manufacturing polyester fibers (such as Dacron), plastics, and antifreeze.

Synthesis of surfactants: It is used to manufacture non-ionic surfactants, which are widely applied in detergents, emulsifiers, shampoos, and hand soaps.

Other chemicals: It is also used to produce ethanolamines, polyethylene glycol, and polyether polyols, serving sectors such as cosmetics, industrial lubricants, and cement additives.