Product overview

Propylene oxide

CAS number

75-56-9

Chemical formula

C3H6O

What is propylene oxide?
Propylene oxide is a colourless, reactive liquid with an ether-like odour.

It is used primarily as a building block for the manufacture of a versatile range of derivative products. There are a number of known technologies to produce propylene oxide but Shell chemicals companies and their joint ventures employ the Shell proprietary 'SM/PO' technology.

How is propylene oxide used?
Propylene oxide is used as a chemical building block in a range of products. Examples of these so-called PO-derivative products are: 

• polyether polyols (poly-alcohols) for use in urethane applications such as rigid foam, flexible foam, and Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomer (CASE) systems;
• polyether polyols for use in non-urethane applications such as surfactants and oil demulsifiers;    
• propylene glycol for aeroplane de-icers, fibreglass-reinforced unsaturated polyester resins, and hydraulic fluids;    
• propylene oxide glycol ethers and propylene carbonate solvents;    
• butanediol for engineering plastics and fibres;  
• polyalkylene glycol fuel additives and lubricants;    
• modified starches and allyl alcohols. 

What are our key strengths in the propylene oxide sector?

• Integrated and reliable global manufacturing and supply network.
• High quality standards.
• Strong propylene oxide technology.
• Long-term commitment to the sector, having entered the market in 1957.