A report on Ethylene oxide, Ammonia and Silver

Ethylene oxide is industrially produced by oxidation of ethylene in the presence of silver catalyst.

Ethylene oxide reacts with ammonia forming a mixture of mono-, di- and tri- ethanolamines.

Ethanolamine is prepared by a ring-opening reaction with ethylene oxide, and when the reaction is allowed to go further it produces diethanolamine and triethanolamine.

The resulting adduct can be decomposed with ammonia to release the free alkene.

For instance, 15% silver supported on α-Al2O3 or silicates is a catalyst for the oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide at 230–270 °C.

Experts also warn that prolonged contact of ammonia solutions with silver, mercury or iodide salts can also lead to explosive products: such mixtures are often formed in qualitative inorganic analysis, and that it needs to be lightly acidified but not concentrated (<6% w/v) before disposal once the test is completed.