Ethylene oxide (EO) is the simplest cyclic ether, a heterocyclic compound, is an important organic synthesis raw material, can be synthesized detergent, emulsifier, non-ionic surfactants and ethylene glycol products, also used in the production of rubber, plastics, plasticizers and lubricants, etc. Widely used in washing and dyeing, electronics, medicine, pesticides, textile, paper, automobile, oil mining and refining and many other fields.

In the chemical industry, ethylene oxide, as a derivative of the ethylene industry, is the second most important product after polyethylene. The variety of downstream products derived from ethylene oxide is far greater than the variety of ethylene derivatives. Ethylene oxide is mainly used in the manufacture of ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is very widely used, most of which is used in the production of polyester products (including polyester fiber, polyester film, polyester plastics, etc.), accounting for about 90% of ethylene glycol consumption. Another important area of consumption for ethylene glycol is as an automotive coolant and antifreeze. In addition, ethylene glycol can also produce ethanolamine, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glyoxal, ethylene glycol ether, ethylene amine, choline chloride, vinyl carbonate, ethoxy compounds and hydroxyethyl cellulose and other downstream products.

Ethylene oxide is also a broad spectrum, efficient gas sterilization disinfectant, is the current four low temperature sterilization technology (low temperature plasma, low temperature formaldehyde vapor, ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde) the most important member. Strong penetration of disinfection items, can reach the depth of the item to kill pathogenic microorganisms, including bacterial propagandized, spores, viruses and fungi, is some can not withstand high temperature disinfection of articles and materials of gas fungicide, such as dry egg powder in the storage process is often decomposed due to the action of bacteria, with ethylene oxide fumigation treatment, can prevent the deterioration of egg powder, Its chemical composition (including amino acids, etc.) is not affected. Ethylene oxide is also widely used to sterilize medical supplies, such as bandages, stitches, medical masks and surgical instruments, etc. It can also be used to sterilize food, medicine, leather, books, documents, cotton products, chemical fiber fabrics, precision instruments, surgical equipment, biological products, rubber products, etc.

Because ethylene oxide is flammable and explosive, it has a large explosion concentration range in the air, so it is not easy to be transported over long distances.