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Beta-propiolactone

β-Propiolactone
Skeletal formula
Balla-and-stick model
Names
IUPAC names
Oxetan-2-one
3-Hydroxypropanoic acid lactone
Other names
Propiolactone
β-Propiolactone
2-Oxetanone
Identifiers
3D model (Jmol)
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.000.309
EC Number 200-340-1
KEGG
UNII
Properties
C3H4O2
Molar mass 72.06 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor slightly sweet
Density 1.1460 g/cm3
Melting point −33.4 °C (−28.1 °F; 239.8 K)
Boiling point 162 °C (324 °F; 435 K) (decomposes)
37 g/100 mL
Solubility in organic solvents Miscible
Vapor pressure 3 mmHg (25°C)
1.4131
Hazards
Flash point 74 °C; 165 °F; 347 K
Explosive limits 2.9%-?
US health exposure limits (NIOSH):
PEL (Permissible)
OSHA-Regulated carcinogen
REL (Recommended)
Ca
IDLH (Immediate danger)
Ca [N.D.]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N  (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

β-Propiolactone is an organic compound of the lactone family, with a four-membered ring. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor, highly soluble in water and miscible with ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether and chloroform. The word propiolactone usually refers to this compound, although it may also refer to α-propiolactone.

β-Propiolactone is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" (IARC, 1999). It is one of 13 "OSHA-regulated carcinogens," chemicals regarded occupational carcinogens by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, despite not having an established permissible exposure limit. It was once widely used in the manufacture of acrylic acid and its esters, but its use has been mostly phased out in favor of safer and less expensive alternatives. β-Propiolactone is a sterilizing and sporicidal agent, and has been used to sterilize blood plasma, vaccines, tissue grafts, surgical instruments, and enzymes. The principal current use of propiolactone is an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemical compounds.

β-Propiolactone will slowly react with water and hydrolyze to produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid (hydracryclic acid).

Acidovorax sp., Variovorax paradoxus, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Rhizopus delemar and thermophilic Streptomyces sp. can degrade β-propiolactone.


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