beta-Propiolactone
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 | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC names
Oxetan-2-one 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid lactone | |
| Other names
Propiolactone β-Propiolactone 2-Oxetanone | |
| Identifiers | |
57-57-8  | |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:49073 |
| ChEMBL | ChEMBL1200627  |
| ChemSpider | 2275 |
| |
| Jmol-3D images | Image |
| KEGG | D05630 |
| |
| UNII | 6RC3ZT4HB0 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula |
C3H4O2 |
| Molar mass | 72.06 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Pungent, acrylic |
| Density | 1.146 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | −33.4 °C (−28.1 °F; 239.8 K) |
| Boiling point | 162 °C (324 °F; 435 K) (decomposes) |
| Soluble | |
| Solubility in organic solvents | Miscible |
| Refractive index (nD) |
1.4131 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa) | |
| verify (what is: /?) | |
| 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.[1][2] 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).[1] 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.[3] 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.[1] 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).
Biodegradation
Acidovorax sp., Variovorax paradoxus, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Rhizopus delemar and thermophilic Streptomyces sp. can degrade β-propiolactone.
See also
- 3-Oxetanone, an isomer of β-propiolactone
- Malonic anhydride (2,4-oxetanone)
- α-Propiolactone
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "β-Propiolactone CAS No. 57-57-8" - US Department of Health and Human Services, Report on Carcinogens, National Toxicology Program, Thirteenth Edition, 2 October 2014. Accessed on 2015-01-03.
- ↑ Merck Index, 12th Edition, entry 8005.
- ↑ "Appendix B - Thirteen OSHA-Regulated Carcinogens" - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed on 2013-11-06.