Epoxide is a type of cyclic ether. It is a three-atom ring composed of two carbons attached to oxygen. As to the definition, epoxides, also called as ethylene oxide, are classified as heterocyclic compounds. Any ring structure with two or more types of atom in its ring is classified as a heterocyclic compound. The IUPAC naming for epoxide is oxirane.
Epoxides, compared with other cyclic ethers, are generally more reactive. The reason is that the three-membered ring is potentially strained. Acidification of the oxygen in the epoxide followed by a nucleophilic attack can easily open the ring. Epoxides are widely used in polymer industry since its cheap and the reaction is high yielding.
Generally, epoxides with few numbers of carbons are odorless, colorless and are volatile.
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