What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a cyclic ether and epoxide. It's a colorless, flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor. Industrially, it is primarily used to produce other chemicals, most notably ethylene glycol (antifreeze), but also detergents, thickeners, solvents, and plastics. It is also used as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment and, to a lesser extent, as a fumigant for certain agricultural products.