Substance profile
3-propanolide
3-propanolide is a colorless liquid with a PUNGENT odor.
01 · Identification
What 3-propanolide is
3-propanolide is a colorless liquid with a PUNGENT odor. Its molecular formula is C3H4O2 and its molecular weight is 72.06 g/mol. It boils at 162 °C, melts at -33.4 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for 3-propanolide
- 1,3-propiolactone
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>. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P264, P271, P280, P302, P304, P305, P308, P310, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
3-propanolide 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 | 162 °C (323.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg, DECOMP | HSDB |
| 162 °C (323.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 161.67 °C (323 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Melting point | -33.4 °C (-28.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -33.33 °C (-28 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -32.78 °C (-27 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.15 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.146 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | SOL IN WATER: 37% VOL/VOL; MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL, ACETONE, ETHER, CHLOROFORM | HSDB | |
| PROBABLY MISCIBLE WITH MOST POLAR ORG SOLVENTS & LIPIDS | HSDB | ||
| water solubility = 3.70X10+5 mg/l @ 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 3.4 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 3 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Flash point | 73.89 °C (165 °F) | HSDB | |
| 70 °C (158 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.5 (air = 1) | calculated | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 3-propanolide
Storage conditions
MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMPOSE INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL WELL VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF THE DIRECT RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, AND SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED ... .
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Acetates, halogens, thiocyanates, thiosulfates [Note: May polymerize upon storage].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BETA-PROPIOLACTONE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. This chemical may be incompatible with alkalis.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 3-propanolide in the storage compatibility matrix →