a colorless liquid with the structure

It has a melting point of –104.4°C, a boiling point of 34.5°-34.9°C, and a density of 0.859 g/cm³. Propylene oxide is miscible with water in the ratio (by volume) of 1:1.5 (20°C). Similar to ethylene oxide in chemical properties, it is prepared commercially from propylene by hypochlorination with subsequent alkali treatment or direct catalytic oxidation. Propylene oxide is used as a fumigant and as an intermediate in the synthesis of solvents, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and emulsifiers. The polymers (polypropylene glycols) and copolymers of propylene oxide are used with glycerol, sorbitol, and other poly-hydric alcohols in the synthesis of polyurethanes. Certain ho-mopolymers and copolymers of propylene oxide are known as epoxy resins.