The equation for the reaction is:
CH2CH2O + H2O = HOCH2CH2OH
Ethylene oxide is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H4O.
Ethylene oxide is a toxic carcinogen that was formerly used to make fungicides. Ethylene oxide is flammable and explosive, and is not easily transported over long distances, so it is strongly territorial. It is widely used in washing, pharmaceutical, printing and dyeing industries. It can be used as a starting agent for detergents in chemical related industries.
Ethylene oxide has a bactericidal effect, non-corrosive to the metal, no residual odor, can kill bacteria (and its endospores), mold and fungi, so it can be used to disinfect some of the items that can not withstand high-temperature disinfection as well as the material of the gas biocide. Lloyd Hall, an American chemist, patented the ethylene oxide sterilization method for preserving spices in 1938, and the method is still used today. Ethylene oxide is also widely used to sterilize medical supplies such as bandages, sutures and surgical instruments.
Mainly used in the manufacture of a variety of other solvents (such as fiber solvents, etc.), diluents, non-ionic surfactants, synthetic detergents, antifreeze, disinfectants, toughening agents and plasticizers. And cellulose hydroxyethylation can be synthesized into water-soluble resin (its ethylene oxide content of about 75%). It can also be used as fumigant, paint thickener, emulsifier, adhesive and paper sizing agent.