1,4-Dioxane (null)

Molecular Classification

Other, heterocyclic organic compound, ether class

Other Names

p-Dioxane, 1,4-Diethylene dioxide, 1,4-Dioxacyclohexane, Di(ethylene oxide), Diethylene dioxide, Diethylene ether, Dioxan, Dioxan-1,4, Dioxyethylene ether, Glycol ethylene ether, Tetrahydro-p-dioxin, Diokan, Dioksan, Diossano-1,4, NCI-C03689, Tetrahydro-1,4-dioxin, 1,4-Diethyleneoxide, NE 220, NSC 8728

Disease Roles

Othersuspected human carcinogenenvironmental contaminant linked to cancer risk and water pollution

1,4-Dioxane Overview

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic, heterocyclic ether commonly used as a solvent in industrial and laboratory applications. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a faint sweet odor, highly miscible in water and other organic solvents, and known for its chemical stability and resistance to adsorption and biodegradation, which contributes to its environmental persistence. The compound is not a biological or therapeutic target but is recognized as a hazardous environmental contaminant and a suspected human carcinogen. Its most notable human health risk is carcinogenicity, and strict regulations exist for its presence in drinking water and consumer products due to its toxicity, flammability, and difficulty to remove from contaminated sources

Mechanism of Action

Biological Functions

No biological function data available

Disease Associations

Other

suspected human carcinogen

environmental contaminant linked to cancer risk and water pollution

Safety Considerations

Carcinogenicity (suspected human carcinogen)
flammability (highly flammable liquid)
toxicity (systemic effects on oral, inhalation, and dermal exposure)
environmental persistence (poor biodegradability and water contamination risk)
risk of peroxide formation and explosion