Diglycidyl ether

General description of Diglycidyl ether:

Diglycidyl ether (DGE) [2238-07-5], bis-(2,3-epoxypropyl)ether or 2,2′-[oxybis(methylene)]bis(oxirane) is a colorless liquid with an irritant odour and a boiling point of 220 °C.^[1] It is miscible with water and common organic solvents. This compound is toxic and can prove fatal or cause permanent damage if inhaled LC₅₀ = 30 ppm/4 h, mouse) or consumed orally (LD₅₀ = 170 mg/kg, mouse).^[2] It is highly reactive as other epoxides and it can polymerize violently in the presence of catalysts or when heated. Diglycidyl ether is usually prepared from epichlorohydrin by refluxing with sodium hydroxide in toluene.^[3]

Application of Diglycidyl ether:

It is used as a reactive diluent for epoxy resin, as a chemical intermediate, stabilizer of chlorinated organic compounds and as a textile-treating agent. Considering this class of compounds, there are several commercially substances available with much lower toxicity profile, such as Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether.^[4]

Product categorization (Chemical groups):

Main category:

• Ethers / Alkoxy group containing compounds
• Oxiranes / Thiiranes

Second level:

• Aliphatic

Third level:

• Heterocyclic compounds

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