Epoxide
From Academic Kids
An epoxide is an ether in which the oxygen atom is part of a ring of three or more atoms. This ring is approximately an equilateral triangle, i.e. its bond angles are about 60°, which puts it under strain. The strained ring makes epoxides more reactive than other ethers.
A polymer made of epoxide units is called a polyepoxide or an epoxy. Epoxy resins are used as adhesives and structural materials. Example: epoxyethane
| Contents |
[edit]
Reactions
[edit]
Synthesis
- alkene + percarboxylic acid → epoxide + carboxylic acid
[edit]
Hydrolysis
- epoxide + acid catalyst → trans glycol
[edit]
Nucleophilic addition
- epoxide + nucleophile → open epoxide ring
[edit]
Reduction
- epoxide + lithium aluminum hydride + water → alcohol
