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Structure and Nomenclature of Epoxides

Structure and Nomenclature of Epoxides

Cyclic ethers are heterocyclic compounds with an oxygen atom in the ring along with carbon atoms. They are named depending on the number of carbon atoms present in their ring system. Cyclic ethers with a three-membered ring system are called “oxirane”, four-membered ring systems as “oxetane”, five-membered ring systems as “oxolane”, and six-membered ring systems as “oxane”. The cyclic structure of these rings imposes angle strain, and this strain is more in the ring having a smaller number of...

Preparation of Epoxides

Preparation of Epoxides

Overview
Epoxides result from alkene oxidation, which can be achieved by a) air, b) peroxy acids, c) hypochlorous acids, and d) halohydrin cyclization.
Epoxidation with Peroxy Acids
Epoxidation of alkenes via oxidation with peroxy acids involves the conversion of a carbon–carbon double bond to an epoxide using the oxidizing agent meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, commonly known as MCPBA. Since the O–O bond of peroxy acids is very weak, the addition of electrophilic oxygen of peroxy acids to...

Acid-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides

Acid-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides

Epoxides that are three-membered ring systems are more reactive than other cyclic and acyclic ethers. The high reactivity of epoxides originates from the strain present in the ring. This ring strain acts as a driving force for epoxides to undergo ring-opening reactions either with halogen acids or weak nucleophiles in the presence of mild acid. The acid catalyst converts the epoxide oxygen, a poor leaving group, into an oxonium ion, a better leaving group, making the reaction feasible. The...

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...

Carboxylic Acids to Esters: Acid-Catalyzed (Fischer) Esterification Overview

Carboxylic Acids to Esters: Acid-Catalyzed (Fischer) Esterification Overview

The Fischer esterification reaction was developed by the German chemist Emil Fischer in 1895. It is a condensation reaction between carboxylic acids and alcohols in an acidic medium to give esters and water.

Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete significantly enhances the structural and nonstructural properties of traditional concrete by incorporating fibers like steel, glass, and polymers. These fibers, varying from natural ones such as sisal and cellulose to manufactured ones like polypropylene and Kevlar, are mixed into hydraulic cement with aggregates. Steel fibers, often preferred for their robustness, contribute to improved ductility, toughness, and post-cracking performance. The concrete is classified...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids

Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids

Published on: June 28, 2019

Epoxy resins in the construction industry.

Ton Spee¹, Cor Van Duivenbooden, Jeroen Terwoert

¹Arbouw, P.O. Box 8114, NL-1005 AC Amsterdam, The Netherlands. spee@arbouw.nl

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

|November 23, 2006

Summary

This study introduces the Epoxy Code, an international initiative promoting safer practices for epoxy resin products. It aims to reduce skin irritation and sensitization risks associated with these widely used industrial chemicals.

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Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids

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Area of Science:

Occupational Health and Safety
Materials Science
Toxicology

Background:

Epoxy resins are prevalent in coatings, adhesives, and repair materials.
These resins pose significant risks, including skin irritation, sensitization, and potential carcinogenicity from hardeners.
Previous Dutch research prompted the international "Epoxy Code" project.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish best practices for handling epoxy products internationally.
To assess the feasibility of a health risk ranking system for epoxy products.
To encourage the development of less harmful epoxy alternatives.

Main Methods:

International collaboration involving partners from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Development of guidelines covering substitution, safe working procedures, safer tools, and skin protection.
Investigation into an internationally agreed-upon ranking system for epoxy product health risks.

Main Results:

The "Epoxy Code" project established guidelines for safer epoxy use.
A feasibility study for an international health risk ranking system was conducted.
The project highlighted the need for user information on epoxy harmfulness.

Conclusions:

International cooperation is effective in developing best practices for hazardous chemicals like epoxy resins.
A standardized ranking system could significantly improve user safety and drive innovation in developing less hazardous epoxy products.
The Epoxy Code provides a framework for mitigating occupational health risks associated with epoxy resin applications.