Final answer:
The primary purpose of producing ethylene oxide through the vapor-phase oxidation of ethylene is to prepare antifreeze ethylene glycol. This chemical is a key component in antifreeze formulations and is also used to manufacture polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate resins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main purpose of the vapor-phase oxidation of ethylene to produce ethylene oxide (EO) is the preparation of antifreeze ethylene glycol. Ethylene oxide is the simplest epoxide, and a significant portion of its global consumption is for the synthesis of ethylene glycols, including diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol. These compounds are widely used in antifreeze formulations. In addition to being used for antifreeze, ethylene glycol also plays a crucial role as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins used for bottling. Despite its many applications, care must be taken when handling ethylene oxide as it is highly explosive and carcinogenic.