Molekula
beta-Propiolactone
Supplying 4,500+ customers in over 80 countries
ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 certified · Supplying laboratories and industry since 1999 · Listed pack sizes are a starting point — we manufacture, source and repack to the quantity you need
Beta-Propiolactone is a highly reactive, toxic cyclic ester used in organic synthesis, particularly as a reagent for introducing hydroxyl groups and in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It is also used as a sterilant and sporicide for vaccines, tissue grafts, blood plasma and surgical instruments, to inactivate viruses in vaccine production, and as a vapor-phase disinfectant. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. CAS: 57-57-8, Molecular formula: C3H4O2, Molecular weight: 72.06 g/mol. Store at -15 to -20 °C. Signal word: Danger. Molekula supplies beta-Propiolactone from research to bulk quantities with full documentation and ISO 9001:2015 traceability.
Example image for illustration only. Other packaging and pack sizes are available.
Pricing & pack sizes
On backorder — expected to ship by 12 November 2026
These pack sizes aren't a limit. Molekula manufactures, sources and repacks to order — if you need 500 kg and only see 1 kg listed, . We quote from grams to multi-tonne.
Need a different size? Add the nearest pack and change the size in your basket — we price it at the same rate per unit.
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1 g — $112.40 per pack
Need a different quantity or pack?
Tell us how much you need and when — drums, IBCs, sacks or a one-off bulk lot. We'll manufacture or source it and come back with a price.
Prices exclude VAT/sales tax and shipping.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Identification | Conforms to reference |
| Total Impurities | ≤5.0% |
| Acrylic Acid | ≤0.5% |
| Acetic acid | ≤0.5% |
| Acetic anhydride | ≤0.5% |
| Methylenediacetate | ≤0.5% |
| 2-methyl-B-propiolactone | ≤3.0% |
| B-Propiolactone | ≥98.5% |
Storage & handling
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -15 to -20 °C |
| Flash Point | 74 °C |
| Transport Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Acidity | Neutral |
Literature values
Published physical properties of the substance, not batch specifications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | A colorless liquid |
| Odour | Pungent |
| Melting Point | -33.4 °C |
| Boiling Point | 61 °C at 20 mmHg |
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ |
| Vapour Pressure | 453 Pa at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.413 |
Source: PubChem CID 2365 (HSDB, ICSC)
Identification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 68711089 |
| CAS Number | 57-57-8 |
| IUPAC Name | oxetan-2-one |
| EC Number | 200-340-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C3H4O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 72.06 |
| Exact Mass | 72.0211 |
| SMILES | C1COC1=O |
| InChIKey | VEZXCJBBBCKRPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C3H4O2/c4-3-1-2-5-3/h1-2H2 |
| PubChem CID | 2365 |
| UN Number | UN2810 |
| REACH Code | Y110 |
| TSCA Listed | Yes |
| HTS Code | 2932.20.5050 |
| Tariff Code | 2932209090 |
Safety & GHS
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Toxic
GHS06
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Serious Health Hazard
GHS08
Hazard statements
- H227 Combustible liquid
- H301 Toxic if swallowed
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation
- H330 Fatal if inhaled
- H350 May cause cancer
Precautionary statements
- P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces - No smoking
- P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
- P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
- P301+310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician
- P304+312 IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell
- P305+351+338 IF IN EYES: Rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
Documents
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) by batch
Enter a lot or batch number to retrieve the CoA for that specific batch. We can generate one from spec data if no PDF is on file.
Synonyms
- 1,3-Propiolactone
- 2-Oxetanone
- 3-Propanolide
- 3-Propiolactone
- beta-Propionolactone
- Betaprone
- Oxetan-2-one
- Propanolide
- Propiolactona
- Propiolactone
Frequently asked questions
What is beta-Propiolactone used for?
It is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and polymers, particularly in the production of beta-amino acids and biodegradable polymers.
What is the chemical formula and molecular weight of beta-Propiolactone?
The formula is C3H4O2 with a molecular weight of 72.06 g/mol.
How should beta-Propiolactone be stored?
It must be stored at temperatures between -15 and -20 °C to prevent decomposition and ensure stability.
What grade of beta-Propiolactone does Molekula supply?
Molekula supplies beta-Propiolactone in technical grade; custom grades are available upon request.
Can Molekula supply beta-Propiolactone in bulk?
Yes, Molekula can supply beta-Propiolactone in bulk quantities; please contact sales for volume pricing and logistics.
What documentation comes with a beta-Propiolactone order?
Each order includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS); additional documentation is available upon request.
Ready to order or need a custom pack?
Tell us the product, grade, and quantity — Molekula usually responds within one working day with pricing and lead time.