Substance profile
2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol
2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol is colorless, slightly viscous liquid.
01 · Identification
What 2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol is
2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol is colorless, slightly viscous liquid. Its molecular formula is C3H6O2 and its molecular weight is 74.08 g/mol. It boils at 160 °C, melts at -45 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for 2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol
- glycidol
- oxiranemethanol
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.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H360F | May damage fertility. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P308, P310, P312, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol 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 | 160 °C (320 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH |
| 167.22 °C (333 °F) | decomposes, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -45 °C (-49 °F) | NIOSH | |
| Density | 1.12 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.143 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.1143 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether | HSDB | |
| Miscible with water /1.0X10+6 mg/L/ | HSDB | ||
| Miscible | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.9 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| Flash point | 73 °C (163.4 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 72.22 °C (162 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 415 °C (779 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Forms explosive mixture with air. | HSDB | |
| Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140 °F and below 200 °F. | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 2.15 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of 2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol
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.
Fire and explosion
Explodes when heated or in the presence of strong acids, bases, metals (e.g., copper, zinc), and metal salts (e.g., aluminum chloride, iron(III) chloride, tin(IV) chloride).
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature: 2 - 8 °C Moisture sensitive. Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, nitrates. Decomposes on contact (especially in the presence of heat) with strong acids, strong bases, water, metal salts (e.g., aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, tin chloride) or metals (copper, zinc), causing fire and explosion hazard ... Attacks some plactics, rubber, and coatings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
GLYCIDOL is sensitive to moisture. It is also sensitive to light. It may polymerize if heated above room temperature. It may darken on storage. Stability studies of this chemical stored for two week protected from light indicated definite decomposition at 140 °F, and strongly indicated instability at 77 °F. A solution of this compound in water was found to be unstable when stored at room temperature, even after one day in the dark. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizers. It will undergo explosive decomposition in the presence of strong acids or bases, salts (such as aluminum chloride, iron(III)chloride or tin(IV) chloride) or metals (such as copper and zinc). It is also incompatible with nitrates. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol in the storage compatibility matrix →