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Propylene oxide product overview

Flexible foams in furniture and car seats, artificial sports tracks, waterproof leisure wear, de-icers and bowling balls are some of the many ultimate applications of propylene oxide.

Starting block on a sports track

What is propylene oxide?

CAS number: 75-56-9
Chemical formula: C3H6O

Propylene oxide is a colourless, reactive liquid with an ether-like odour.

It is used primarily as a building block for the manufacture of a versatile range of derivative products. There are a number of known technologies to produce propylene oxide but Shell chemicals companies and their joint ventures employ the Shell proprietary 'SM/PO' technology.

How is propylene oxide used?

Propylene oxide is used as a chemical building block in a range of products. Examples of these so-called PO-derivative products are:

  • polyether polyols (poly-alcohols) for use in urethane applications such as rigid foam, flexible foam, and Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomer (CASE) systems;
  • polyether polyols for use in non-urethane applications such as surfactants and oil demulsifiers; 
  • propylene glycol for aeroplane de-icers, fibreglass-reinforced unsaturated polyester resins, and hydraulic fluids;  
  • propylene oxide glycol ethers and propylene carbonate solvents;    
    butanediol for engineering plastics and fibres;
  • polyalkylene glycol fuel additives and lubricants;
  • modified starches and allyl alcohols.

What are our key strengths in the propylene oxide sector?

  • Integrated and reliable global manufacturing and supply network.
  • High quality standards.
  • Strong propylene oxide technology.
  • Long-term commitment to the sector, having entered the market in 1957.


Did you know?
What do waterproof jackets, bathtubs, sealant systems and aircraft de-icers have in common? All are made from propylene oxide derivatives.

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