CYCLOPROPANE

CYCLOPROPANE

Cyclopropane is prepared form

(a) 1,3-dibromopropane with zinc and alcohol in absence of water;

(b) by the action of sodium vapour on 1,3-dibromopropane;

(c) from 1, 3-dichloropropane heated with an excess of zinc dust, iodine and ethanol in 80% yield;

(d) from 1, 3-dichloropropane with zinc in presence of sodium iodide.

Cyclopropane is a colourless flammable gas with a characteristic odour and pungent taste supplied in compressed form in metal cylinders; m.p. -127; b.p. -33°. It is very soluble in alcohol, chloroform and ether; soluble in fixed oils; liquefies at 4-6 atms. Concentrated HSO, absorbs the gas readily. Cyclopropane forms an explosive mixture with air in a concentration range from 3 to 8.5 percent. Rich oxygen mixtures are therefore to be avoided. It is stored in metal cyclinders in a special room which should be cool and free from flammable materials. The cyclinder sould be painted orange.

Uses: Cyclopropane is an anaesthetic administered by inhalation.

Adverse Effect

Cyclopropane depresses respiration; it may cause bronchospasm, cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, headache and liver necrosis.