The epoxy molecular structure (centered on epoxy groups in ethylene oxide and its derivatives) has become a key core in materials science, chemical synthesis, and other fields due to its unique three-membered ring structure. This cyclic structure composed of one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms exhibits significant ring strain because its bond angle is only about 60°, much lower than the normal bond angle of 109° for sp³-hybridized oxygen atoms. Combined with the polarity advantage brought by the high electronegativity of oxygen atoms, it possesses extremely strong reactivity, laying the foundation for multi-scenario applications.
The reaction diversity of epoxy groups has attracted much attention in the industry. The nucleophilic ring-opening reaction with amines (such as primary and secondary amines) generates β-hydroxyamines, which is the core mechanism for epoxy resin curing. Under acid or base catalysis, it forms ether bonds with alcohols and phenols, providing pathways for polymer synthesis and compound modification. Reactions with thiols and carboxylic acids further expand application directions such as esterification modification. In addition, the epoxy ring can be hydrolyzed to form diols under the action of water or moisture, react with inorganic acids to prepare halohydrin intermediates, and realize CO₂ fixation as well as addition reactions with silanes and boranes under metal catalysts, demonstrating comprehensive chemical reaction potential.
In practical applications, the three-dimensional network structure formed by the crosslinking of epoxy resins with curing agents such as polyamines and acid anhydrides has been widely used in the manufacture of adhesives, coatings, and composite materials. With excellent stability and adhesion, it has become an important material in high-end fields such as aerospace and electronic manufacturing. Its reaction selectivity further enables precise synthesis—under acid catalysis, nucleophiles attack more substituted carbons, while under base catalysis, they tend to attack carbons with smaller steric hindrance, making directional preparation possible.
With the upgrading of green chemical industry and material innovation needs, the application scenarios of epoxy molecular structures continue to expand. From CO₂ resource utilization to high-performance polymer synthesis, from cosmetic raw material modification to pesticide synergistic formulations, this high-activity structure is driving cross-industry technological innovation and injecting new momentum into industrial upgrading.
