Final answer:
Ethylene oxide is the starting material for the synthesis of Cellosolve, an important industrial solvent. Cellosolve, also known as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, is commonly used as a solvent in various industries such as paint, ink, and cleaning agents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethylene oxide is the starting material for the synthesis of Cellosolve, an important industrial solvent. Cellosolve, also known as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, is commonly used as a solvent in various industries such as paint, ink, and cleaning agents. It is derived from the reaction between ethylene oxide and methanol.
Ethylene oxide itself is a three-membered cyclic ether and is primarily used for the synthesis of ethylene glycols, including diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol. These ethylene glycols, in turn, find applications as antifreeze and in the manufacture of polyester fibers and fabrics. Ethylene oxide's reactivity allows it to be a precursor for many compounds. It also plays a role in making esters, such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, which serve as solvents for lacquers and are instrumental in plasticizing brittle plastics. Esters, like ethyl acetate, are also used to decaffeinate coffee and remove nail polish. Understanding the applications and reactions of ethylene oxide is essential for achieving the necessary transformations in industrial chemistry, such as the creation of solvents and intermediates for various synthetic processes.