Agent Name |
beta-Propiolactone |
CAS Number |
57-57-8 |
Formula |
C3-H4-O2 |
Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
Synonyms |
1,3-Propiolactone; 2-Oxetanone; 3-Hydroxypropionic acid lactone; 3-Propanolide; 3-Propiolactone; BPL; Betaprone; Hydracrylic acid beta-lactone; Propanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-, beta-lactone; Propanolide; Propiolactona [INN-Spanish]; Propiolactonum [INN-Latin]; Propiolattone [DCIT]; Propionic acid, 3-hydroxy-, beta-lactone; beta-Propanoic acid lactone; beta-Propiolactone; beta-Propiolakton [Czech]; beta-Propionolactone; beta-Proprolactone; [ChemIDplus] UN2810 |
Category |
Other Organic Compounds |
Description |
Colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a sterilant in medicine for biological pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments; also used as a disinfectant and chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] |
Comments |
Causes permanent corneal opacification when tested in the rabbit eye and scarring when tested on mouse skin; Avoid contact because of its carcinogenic potential; [ACGIH] Causes second degree burns after a few minutes of skin exposure; [CHRIS] Corrosive to the eyes; [ICSC] |
Restricted |
Regulated as a carcinogen: See 29CFR1910.1013 (Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to the manufacturing, processing, repackaging, releasing, handling, and storing of this chemical). |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.5 ppm |
Vapor Pressure |
3 mm Hg |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 25 ppm/6h |
Explanatory Notes |
Flash point = 74 deg C; |
Half Life |
No reports found; [TDR, p. 1048] |
Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: BETA-PROPIOLACTONE
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