Product overview

Ethylene oxide

CAS number

75-21-8

Chemical formula

C2H4O

What is ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide (EO) is a colourless, highly reactive and flammable gas at room temperature. It is produced by direct oxidation of ethylene with air or oxygen. Because EO reacts readily with many chemicals, it is one of the most versatile intermediates and is used to produce many derivative products.

How is ethylene oxide used?
Ethylene oxide is used in the production of: 

• ethylene glycols (used in antifreeze, polyester for fibres, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and containers, gas dehydration, heat transfer liquids, solvents, and polyesters);    
• poly(ethylene) glycols (used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical preparations, lubricants, paint solvents, and plasticisers);    
• ethylene oxide glycol ethers (used in brake fluids, detergents, and paint and lacquer solvents);    
• ethanolamines (used in soaps, detergents, natural gas purification, and textile finishing);    
• ethoxylated products of fatty alcohols (used in detergents, surfactants, emulsifiers, and dispersants). 

What are our key strengths in the ethylene oxide sector?

• Collectively, Shell chemicals companies are among the largest global producers of ethylene oxide.    
• World class manufacturing facilities in Europe, the US, and Asia Pacific.    
• Leading position in ethylene oxide/glycol technology and licensing. Shell proprietary technology is used to make almost half of all the EO produced in the world.    
• Extensive ethylene integration.    
• Industry leadership position in product stewardship through working with customers to promote safe use and environmentally sound practices.