Substance profile
1,3,5-Trioxane
1,3,5-Trioxane is a crystalline solid with a characteristic chloroform-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,3,5-Trioxane is
1,3,5-Trioxane is a crystalline solid with a characteristic chloroform-like odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O3 and its molecular weight is 90.08 g/mol. It boils at 115 °C, melts at 64 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for 1,3,5-Trioxane
- 1,3,5-trioxan
- trioxymethylene
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,3,5-Trioxane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 114.5 °C (238.1 °F) | at 759 mmHg | HSDB |
| Melting point | 64 °C (147.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 63.89 °C (147 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.17 g/cm³ | at 65 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | SOL IN BENZENE, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, CHLOROFORM, CARBON DISULFIDE | HSDB | |
| greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 13 mmHg | at 25 °C | CAMEO |
| 13 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 45 °C (113 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 413.89 °C (777 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.6 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| EXPLOSIVE LIMITS IN AIR 3.5-29%. | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 28.7 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 3.1 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on 1,3,5-Trioxane
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
SOL IN WATER: 17.2 G/100 ML @ 18 °C, 21.2 @ 25 °C; EASILY SOL IN ALC, KETONES, ETHER, ACETONE, ORG SOLVENTS, CHLORINATED & AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS; SLIGHTLY SOL IN PENTANE, PETROLEUM ETHER, LOWER PARAFFINS
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,3,5-Trioxane
Storage conditions
STORE IN COOL, DRY, WELL-VENTILATED PLACE AWAY FROM SOURCES OF HEAT & IGNITION. SEPARATE FROM COMBUSTIBLES, & ACIDIC, ALKALINE, & OXIDIZING MATERIALS. /PARAFORMALDEHYDE/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
1,3,5-TRIOXANE is stable under normal laboratory conditions but is unstable in the presence of acids, which initiate polymerization. Sublimes readily. May react with oxidizing matter (NTP, 1992). A stable polymeric product of formaldehyde that in the presence of strong aqueous acids will depolymerize (reforming the parent formaldehyde). Inert to strong alkalis. Readily converted in non aqueous solutions to the monomeric formaldehyde by small concentrations of acid---the rate of conversion is directly proportional to the concentration of the acid.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,3,5-Trioxane in the storage compatibility matrix →