β-Propiolactone

β-Propiolactone

Names
IUPAC name 2-oxetanone
Other names Propiolactone β-propiolactone 2-oxetanone
Identifiers
CAS Number	57-57-8 N
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ECHA InfoCard	100.000.309
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID8021197
SMILES C1(=O)CCO1
Properties
Chemical formula	C3H4O2
Molar mass	72.06 g/mol
Odor	pungent, acrylic
Density	1.146 g/cm3
Melting point	-33.4 °C
Boiling point	162 °C (dec.)
Solubility in water	soluble
Solubility	miscible in organic solvents
Refractive index (nD)	1.4131
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y verify (what is YN ?) 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 expected to be a human carcinogen" (IARC, 1999). 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 disinfectant 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 hydrolyse to produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid (hydracryclic acid).

See also

• 3-Oxetanone, an isomer of β-propiolactone
• Malonic anhydride (2,4-Oxetanone)
• α-Propiolactone