propiolactone
Sign in to saveβ-Propiolactone, often simply called propiolactone, is an organic compound with the formula . It is a member of the lactone family, with a four-membered ring. It is a colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor, highly soluble in water and organic solvents. The carcinogenicity of this compound has limited its commercial applications.
Article
5 sectionsContents
- Production
- Reactions and applications
- Safety
- See also
- References
β-Propiolactone, often simply called propiolactone, is an organic compound with the formula . It is a member of the lactone family, with a four-membered ring. It is a colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor, highly soluble in water and organic solvents. The carcinogenicity of this compound has limited its commercial applications.
==Production== β-Propiolactone is prepared industrially by the reaction of formaldehyde and ethenone in the presence of aluminium- or zinc chloride as catalyst: