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2,3-Epoxybutane

2,3-Epoxybutane is an organic compound with the formula CH<sub>3</sub>CH(O)CHCH<sub>3</sub>. It is an epoxide. The compound exists as three stereoisomers, a pair of enantiomers and the meso isomer. All are colorless liquids.

Preparation and reactions

2,3-Epoxybutane is prepared from 2-butene via the chlorohydrin:

CH<sub>3</sub>CH=CHCH<sub>3</sub> + HOCl → CH<sub>3</sub>CH(OH)CH(Cl)CH<sub>3</sub>
CH<sub>3</sub>CH(OH)CH(Cl)CH<sub>3</sub> → CH<sub>3</sub>CH(O)CHCH<sub>3</sub> + HCl

A common reaction is its hydration to 2,3-butanediol. Many such ring-opening reactions have been reported.

References