Epichlorohydrin
Epichlorohydrin (abbreviated ECH) is an organochlorine compound and an epoxide. Despite its name, it is not a chlorohydrin. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, garlic-like odor, moderately soluble in water, but miscible with most polar organic solvents. It is a chiralmolecule generally existing as a racemic mixture of right-handed and left-handed enantiomers. Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive compound and is used in the production of glycerol, plastics, epoxy glues and resins, and elastomers. In contact with water, epichlorohydrin hydrolyzes to 3-MCPD, a carcinogen found in food.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C3H5ClO |
| Molecular Weight | 92.53 |
| CAS Number | [106-89-8] |
| Description | Clear colourless liquid free from solid matter |
| Density in g ml at 20/20 Degree Celcius | 1.179 – 1.182 |
| Colour APHA | 15 max |
| Flash Point in Degree Celcius | 28 |
| KF water (%) | 0.1 max |
| Purity (%) | 99.5 min |
| Iron in ppm | 0.2 max |
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Polymer | 1. Solvent for natural and synthetic resins 2. In Manufacture of epoxy resins |
| Coating | solvent for paints, varnish and lacquers |
| Cosmetics | solvent for nail-enamels |
