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EpoxyethaneThe main article on this compound can be found under ethylene oxide. Epoxyethane is a three-membered ring ether. It is also known as ethylene oxide, which also illustrates its normal method of production (see below). Its systematic name is oxirane. The formula is C2H4O. Epoxyethane has a boiling point of 10 degrees Celsius, making it a gas at room temperature. It is colourless, flammable, toxic, and affects the nervous system when inhaled. Epoxyethane is normally manufactured from ethene. This is reacted with oxygen in the presence of a silver-based catalyst, at 250-300 degrees Celsius. Pressures used are in the region of 1-2MPa. Its reactions are ring openings by nucleophiles. In industry, epoxyethane is reacted with water in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst. A ten-fold molar excess of water is used to obtain ethane-1,2-diol, also known as ethylene glycol: HOCH2CH2OH Despite the large excess of water, various types of polyethylene glycol (PEG) are still formed as secondary products. The degree of polymerization increases as a smaller proportion of water is used: n(CH2CH2O) + H2O → HO(CH2CH2O)nH For example, under the right conditions it can give diethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH), triethylene glycol, etc. Similarly, reaction with ammonia can yield ethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine.
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