2,3-Epoxybutane
# 2,3-Epoxybutane

2,3-Epoxybutane is an organic compound with the formula $CH_3CH(O)CHCH_3.$ It is an epoxide. The compound exists as three stereoisomers, a pair of enantiomers and the meso isomer. All are colorless liquids.

## Preparation and reactions

2,3-Epoxybutane is prepared from 2-butene via the chlorohydrin:

    $CH_3CH=CHCH_3$ + HOCl → $CH_3CH(OH)CH(Cl)CH_3$
    $CH_3CH(OH)CH(Cl)CH_3$ → $CH_3CH(O)CHCH_3$ + HCl

A common reaction is its hydration to 2,3-butanediol. Many such ring-opening reactions have been reported.

