beta-Propiolactone

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

Lactones

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] Irritating to the skin and eyes; Very toxic by inhalation; Inhalation of high concentration may cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline] Causes liver injury in high-dose animal studies; [HSDB]

Regulated as a carcinogen: See 29CFR1910.1013 (Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to the manufacturing, processing, repackaging, releasing, handling, and storing of this chemical).

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

0.5 ppm

3.4 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 25 ppm/6h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 74 deg C; VP from HSDB;

No reports found; [TDR, p. 1048]

high ambient temp required

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Sterilizing Equipment
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides