1,2-Propylene Oxide

No acetylide-forming metals such as copper or copper alloys should be in contact with propylene oxide.

A polyether-alcohol, prepared by co-condensation of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a polyhydric alcohol, was stored at above 100 deg C and exposed to air via a vent line. After 10-15 hr, violent decompostion occurred, rupturing the vessel.

... Propylene oxide may react with inorg chlorides present in foodstuffs to form toxic chlorohydrins.

Mixing propylene oxide and epoxy resin in a waste bottle led to an explosion, probably owing to the polymerization of the oxide catalysed by the amine accelerator in the resin.

The transition of deflagration to detonation in /propylene oxide and oxygen/ mixtures was studied with respect to mixing ratio, pressure, and spark energy.

A drum of crude product containing unreacted propylene oxide & sodium hydroxide catalyst exploded & ignited, probably owing to base-catalyzed exothermic polymerization of the oxide.

Anhydrous metal chlorides; iron; strong acids, caustics & peroxides. [Note: polymerization may occur due to high temperatures or contamination with alkalis, aqueous acids, amines & acidic alcohols.]

Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.