Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane, also known as diethylene ether, diethylene dioxide or simply dioxane, as the 1,2 and 1,3 isomers are rarely encountered, is a heterocyclic organic compound, a cyclic ether.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Dioxane can be reacted with dry chlorine gas to yield trans-2,3-dichloro-1,4-dioxane.
Physical
Dioxane is a colorless liquid, with a faint sweet odor similar to that of diethyl ether. It is miscible with many solvents and is hygroscopic. Dioxane boils at 101.1 °C and freezes at 11.8 °C.
Availability
Dioxan can be bought from eBay.
Preparation
Dioxane is produced by the acid-catalysed dehydration of ethylene glycol.
Frogfot wrote a synthesis of dioxane.
Projects
- Stabilize trichloroethane
- Medium for organic reactions
Handling
Safety
Dioxane is considered carcinogenic. It is also very flammable.
Dioxane is sometimes confused with dioxin.
Storage
Dioxane should be stored in closed bottles, with a reducing agent to prevent the formation of peroxides.
Disposal
Dioxane can be safely burned, if there are no peroxides. If the dioxane tests positive for peroxides, neutralize peroxides first. Reducing agents, like as ferrous sulfate, sodium bisulfite or metabisulfite added in excess can be used to neutralize the peroxides. After incineration, the ether should be tested again for peroxides and if none are present, it can be safely burned. If it's an old bottle, which has peroxides on the cap, do not open the bottle, instead take it to a remote of special area and safely detonate it. The latter may or require professional help.
