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How does hydrolysis of oxirane produce ethylene glycol?

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heterocyclic compound There are many different sulfur-containing heterocycles. One of the best known is thiophene, C₄H₄S, derivatives of which occur as plant pigments and as other natural products such as biotin.

Oxirane, also known as ethylene oxide, is a three-membered cyclic ether characterized by significant ring strain, which makes it highly susceptible to nucleophilic attack and ring-opening reactions.12

The hydrolysis of oxirane involves the breaking of a carbon-oxygen bond within the ring, accompanied by the addition of the elements of water—specifically a hydrogen atom (H) and a hydroxyl group (OH). This process can be catalyzed by either acidic or basic conditions. During the reaction, the ring opens to incorporate these components, resulting in the formation of ethylene glycol (HOCH₂CH₂OH).21

This reaction is a primary industrial method for producing ethylene glycol, which is widely utilized as an antifreeze and as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of various plastics and fibers.23