3. Influence of trace impurities and materials of construction on the thermal stability of ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide is a reactive monomer obtained by the oxidation of ethylene. In ethoxylation processes, ethylene oxide is reacted with various substrates to produce surfactants, solvents and various so-called specialty chemicals. Due to the thermal instability of ethylene oxide in both liquid and gas phases, and the reactivity of ethylene oxide with other chemicals, including water, numerous accidents have occurred in the manufacture and processing of ethylene oxide. The information presented in this chapter is taken from the articles referenced