β-Propiolactone is a highly reactive, colorless liquid lactone with a three-membered ring structure. It is primarily used as a sterilizing and disinfecting agent due to its ability to inactivate viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms by reacting with their nucleic acids and proteins. In addition to its use in sterilization, β-propiolactone is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and plastics. However, due to its potential carcinogenicity, its use has been limited and carefully controlled. It has been of interest in research involving the modification of biological molecules due to its alkylating properties.
| Catalog Number | R000383 |
| CAS Number | 57-57-8 |
| Synonyms | 2-Oxetanone; β-Lactone Hydracrylic Acid; 1,3-Propiolactone; 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid Lactone; 3-Propanolide; 3-Propiolactone; BPL; Betaprone; NSC 21626; Propanolide; |
| Molecular Formula | C3H4O2 |
| Purity | ≥95% |
| Storage | Store at RT |
| IUPAC Name | oxetan-2-one |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C3H4O2/c4-3-1-2-5-3/h1-2H2 |
| InChIKey | VEZXCJBBBCKRPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | C1COC1=O |
