Products Description
1,4-Dioxane (molecular formula: C₄H₈O₂) is a cyclic ether containing two oxygen atoms in its ring structure. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild ether-like odor and is sensitive to light. Its vapors can react with oxygen in the air to form explosive peroxides, creating a significant safety risk during storage and distillation.
Preparation Method:
1,4-Dioxane can be synthesized through the acid-catalyzed dehydration of ethylene glycol using sulfuric acid. It may also be formed as a by-product during the production of ethylene oxide. Industrial preparation and purification require appropriate controls to manage flammability and peroxide formation.
Chemical Properties
Melting point | 12 °C |
Boiling point | 101 °C |
density | 1.034 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
vapor density | 3 (vs air) |
vapor pressure | 27 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
refractive index | n |
Fp | 54 °F |
storage temp. | room temp |
solubility | Soluble in acetone, alcohol, benzene, and ether (Weast, 1986). Miscible with most organic solvents (Huntress and Mulliken, 1941) including 2-methylpropanol, toluene, cychexanone, and cyclopentanone. |
form | Solution |
color | APHA: ≤20 |
PH | 6-8 (500g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
Odor | Mild ether-like odor detectable at 0.8 to 172 ppm (mean = 12 ppm) |
explosive limit | 1.7-25.2%(V) |
Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
Thermal Conductivity | 0.162 W/(m·K) at 25 ℃ |
Sensitive | Hygroscopic |
λmax | λ: 220 nm Amax: ≤0.70 |
Merck | 14,3300 |
BRN | 102551 |
Henry's Law Constant | 4.89(x 10-6 atmm3/mol) (static headspace-GC, Welke et al., 1998) |
Dielectric constant | 2.2（25℃） |
Exposure limits | TLV-TWA 25 ppm (≈90 mg/m3) (ACGIH), 100 ppm (MSHA and OSHA); carcinogenicity: Animal Sufficient Evidence (IARC). |
Stability: | Stable. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, oxygen, halogens, reducing agents, moisture. Highly flammable - note wide explosive range. May form explosive peroxides in storage (rate of formation increased by heating, evaporation or exposure to light). |
InChI | 1S/C4H8O2/c1-2-6-4-3-5-1/h1-4H2 |
InChIKey | RYHBNJHYFVUHQT-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
SMILES | C1COCCO1 |
LogP | -0.42 at 20℃ |
Surface tension | 32.71mN/m at 293.15K |
CAS DataBase Reference | 123-91-1(CAS DataBase Reference) |
IARC | 2B (Vol. 11, Sup 7, 71) 1999 |
NIST Chemistry Reference | 1,4-Dioxane(123-91-1) |
EPA Substance Registry System | 1,4-Dioxane (123-91-1) |
ECETOC JACC REPORT | 1,4-Dioxane (123-91-1) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | Xn,F,T |
Risk Statements | 45-46-11-36/38-48/23/24/25-65-66-40-36/37-19-41-37/38-39/23/24/25-23/24/25-48/20/22-38-22-36/37/38-10 |
Safety Statements | 9-16-36/37-46-45-53-7-62-26-24/25-23-S9-S46-S36/37-S16 |
OEL | Ceiling: 1 ppm (3.6 mg/m3) [30-minute] |
RIDADR | UN 1165 |
WGK Germany | 3 |
RTECS | JG8225000 |
F | 8 |
Autoignition Temperature | 180 °C |
TSCA | TSCA listed |
HazardClass | 3 |
PackingGroup | II |
HS Code | 29329990 |
Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
Hazard Classifications | Carc. 1B |
Hazardous Substances Data | 123-91-1(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 in mice, rats (ml/kg): 5.7, 5.2 orally (Laug) |
IDLA | 500 ppm |
Product Applications
1,4-Dioxane has a wide range of industrial applications, primarily as a solvent for cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, resins, lacquers, synthetic rubbers, adhesives, sealants, oils, waxes, fats, dyes, and protective coatings. It is also used in paper, cotton, and textile processing, as well as in solvent extraction and the processing of various organic and inorganic compounds. Additional applications include its use as a stabilizer for certain chlorinated solvents and printing inks, and as a wetting and dispersing agent in the textile, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Historically, it has also been used in the manufacture of detergents, automotive coolant formulations, and some cosmetic products, including shampoos, as well as in paint and varnish formulations.
Human exposure to 1,4-dioxane may occur in occupational settings through inhalation of contaminated workplace air or through contact with contaminated water. Due to its potential health hazards, its use in consumer products and industrial processes is subject to regulatory restrictions in some jurisdictions.
Main Application Areas
Industrial Solvent: Used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, resins, and various other organic materials.I
Pharmaceutical Industry: Applied as an extraction solvent and processing aid in certain chemical manufacturing operations.
Chemical Manufacturing: Historically used as a stabilizer in the production of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and as a solvent in polyurethane-related processes, sometimes as an alternative to dimethylformamide (DMF) or tetrahydrofuran (THF).
Coatings and Paints: Used as a solvent or stripping agent in coating and paint formulations and removal processes.
Dyes and Printing Inks: Serves as a solvent, dispersing agent, or stabilizer in certain dye and ink formulations.
Other Industrial Uses: Has applications in metal-surface treatment, electroplating, cosmetics, and fragrance manufacturing, subject to applicable regulatory restrictions.
