Propylene oxide is a colorless and flammable organic compound that is used as an intermediate in the production of various industrial chemicals, such as polyether polyols used in the production of polyurethane foams, as well as in the production of propylene glycol and other glycols. It is also used as a sterilizing agent in the food industry and in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products.
In the esterification of starch
Propylene oxide is a chemical that can be used in the esterification of starch to form propylene oxide starch. During the esterification process, propylene oxide reacts with the hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the starch molecule to form an ester bond (-O-C-O-). This results in the modification of the starch structure and can affect its properties, such as solubility and viscosity. The extent and nature of the esterification reaction can be influenced by factors such as the type of starch, the reaction conditions, and the level of propylene oxide used.
Note that Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (INS 1442) is a type of modified starch that is produced by the reaction of starch with propylene oxide, a chemical reagent. So, Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate can be considered as a type of propylene oxide starch.