ABSTRACT
Propylene oxide reacts readily with water to yield propylene glycol. The major outlet for propylene glycol is in the production of unsaturated polyester resins which are used in surface coatings and glass fibre reinforced resins. The manufacture of plasticizers and hydraulic brake fluids consume considerable quantities of propylene oxide. Propylene glycol is not harmful but when handling the product, goggles should be worn as the liquid is irritant if it comes into contact with eyes. As propylene glycol is not corrosive to metals, containers can be made of iron, mild steel, copper or aluminium. Propylene glycol is combustible but not inflammable at room temperature. Fires can be extinguished with water, carbon dioxide or alcohol foam. In order to limit the quantity of higher alcohols formed, the amount of water is carefully controlled to give a mole ratio of water to oxide of 15:1. Heat from the highly exothermic reaction is removed by means of a water-cooled jacket around the reactor.
