BluNet provides ethylene oxide (EtO) gas supply options for industrial and specialized applications, with product specifications and packaging configurations available according to customer requirements.
Also known as EtO, ETO, or oxirane, ethylene oxide (C₂H₄O, CAS No. 75-21-8) is an important industrial chemical used in chemical manufacturing and low-temperature sterilization processes. Its ability to react with various chemical compounds makes it an important intermediate in producing ethylene glycol, surfactants, and other industrial chemicals.
For customers requiring diluted gas mixtures, our product information includes ethylene oxide in nitrogen at specified concentrations of 5–50 ppm. Listed cylinder sizes include 12 L, 34 L, 58 L, and 110 L, subject to product and packaging confirmation.
For product details, visit our ethylene oxide gas product category.
Ethylene Oxide Specifications
The following table summarizes the representative quality specifications provided for high-purity ethylene oxide. Actual product specifications and batch quality should be confirmed against the current Certificate of Analysis (COA).
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₂H₄O |
| CAS Number | 75-21-8 |
| Ethylene Oxide Purity | ≥99.95% |
| Total Aldehydes (as Acetaldehyde) | ≤0.003% |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | ≤0.002% |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | ≤0.001% |
| Water (H₂O) | ≤0.01% |
| Color (Hazen) | ≤5 |
| Appearance | Colorless and transparent, without visible mechanical impurities |
| Inspection Standard | GB/T 13098-2008 (subject to confirmation) |
Note: These specifications describe the high-purity product, not the 5–50 ppm ethylene oxide/nitrogen mixture. Mixture composition, cylinder configuration and applicable quality documentation should be confirmed separately before ordering.
What Is Ethylene Oxide (EtO)?
Ethylene oxide is a cyclic ether and an important industrial chemical with the molecular formula C₂H₄O. It is also known as oxirane, ethylene oxide gas, or EtO.
At normal room temperature, ethylene oxide is a colorless gas with an ether-like odor. It has a boiling point of approximately 10.7°C and is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents.
Its chemical reactivity makes it valuable in several industrial processes, particularly the production of ethylene glycol and other chemical intermediates. Ethylene oxide is also widely used in specialized sterilization processes for medical devices and equipment that may be damaged by conventional heat-based methods.
Key Physical and Chemical Properties
- Chemical name: Ethylene Oxide
- Common abbreviation: EtO or ETO
- Alternative name: Oxirane
- Chemical formula: C₂H₄O
- CAS number: 75-21-8
- Molecular weight: 44.05 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless gas at normal room temperature
- Boiling point: Approximately 10.7°C at atmospheric pressure
- Solubility: Miscible with water
- Flammability: Highly flammable
Industrial and Sterilization Applications of Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide serves two major industrial purposes: chemical manufacturing and low-temperature sterilization. Its applications extend across the chemical, healthcare, pharmaceutical and selected agricultural sectors.
1. Medical Device Sterilization
Ethylene oxide is widely used to sterilize heat-sensitive medical devices that may not be compatible with steam or radiation sterilization. Its ability to penetrate packaging and complex device structures makes it suitable for products such as catheters, surgical instruments, implants and certain medical equipment.
2. Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Products
EtO sterilization is used for selected pharmaceutical and healthcare-related materials, medical packaging and laboratory supplies where compatible sterilization methods are required.
3. Ethylene Glycol Manufacturing
Ethylene oxide is an important feedstock for producing ethylene glycol, which is widely used in antifreeze formulations, polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturing.
4. Chemical and Petrochemical Manufacturing
Ethylene oxide is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of surfactants, detergents, solvents, adhesives and other industrial chemical compounds.
5. Agricultural and Food Processing Applications
In certain countries and under applicable regulatory approvals, ethylene oxide is used in commercial treatments to control microorganisms in selected spices, herbs and other agricultural products. Its use is subject to strict regulatory requirements and permitted applications.
Ethylene Oxide Cylinder Packaging and Supply
Ethylene oxide supply requirements depend on product purity, gas concentration, application and packaging specifications. For diluted ethylene oxide mixtures, nitrogen can be used as a balance gas to achieve the specified concentration.
Our existing product information lists the following cylinder capacities for ethylene oxide/nitrogen mixtures
| Product | Concentration | Cylinder Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen | 5–50 ppm (confirm exact available concentrations) | 12 L, 34 L, 58 L, 110 L |
For a suitable supply arrangement, customers should specify the required EtO concentration, balance gas, cylinder capacity, quantity, intended application and destination market. Cylinder compatibility, filling requirements, transportation classification and regulatory compliance must be confirmed before shipment.
Ethylene Oxide Safety and Handling Considerations
Ethylene oxide is a highly flammable and hazardous chemical. Exposure can present serious health risks, and its storage, transportation and use require appropriate engineering controls and trained personnel.
Before purchasing or using ethylene oxide, customers should review the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS), confirm cylinder and equipment compatibility, and follow relevant occupational safety, storage, transportation and environmental regulations.
Request an Ethylene Oxide Gas Quotation
Looking for an ethylene oxide gas supplier for industrial or specialized applications?
Contact BluNet with your required purity or concentration, cylinder capacity, order quantity and delivery destination. Our team can help review the product specifications and discuss suitable supply options according to your requirements.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.