| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | β-propiolactone; 2-Oxetanone; Betaprone |
| CAS no. | |
| Applications | |
| Molecular weight | |
| Molecular formula | C3H4O2 |
| Purity | |
| SMILES | |
| Form | Liquid |
| Storage | |
| Shipping | |
| Catalog no. (Mfr.) | |
| Main SKU |
Compound Overview
Propiolactone, also known as β-propiolactone, 2-Oxetanone, or Betaprone, is a chemical agent that inactivates viruses, rendering them non-infectious. It has been co-incubated with SARS-CoV at a 1:1000 (v:v) ratio and applied as a bacteriostatic agent in formulating the BPL-inactivated influenza virus vaccine (Flu-BPL)[1][2]. The compound is supplied as a colorless to light yellow liquid (C3H4O2, MW 72.06) at 99.36% purity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| CAS Number | 57-57-8 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C3H4O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 72.06 g/mol |
| Purity | 99.36% |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Color | Colorless to light yellow |
| Density | 1.146 g/cm3 |
| SMILES | O=C1OCC1 |
| Signaling Pathway | Anti-infection |
| Solubility | In Vitro: DMSO: 100 mg/mL (1387.73 mM; Requires sonication; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO) |
| Storage | Pure form: -20°C, 3 years. In solvent: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. |
| Shipping | Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere. |
Literature Cited
Sources cited in this description and in the In Vitro & In Vivo Data tab. Peer-reviewed publications that used this product are listed under References.
Safety
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, and not for human or veterinary use. Handle in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet and your institution's chemical hygiene plan.
In Vitro
| Solvent | Solubility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DMSO | 100 mg/mL (1387.73 mM) | requires sonication; use freshly opened DMSO (absorbed moisture lowers solubility) |
Aliquot the stock solution and store it at -80°C (up to 6 months) or -20°C (up to 1 month); avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
In Vivo
Choose the formulation that suits the animal model and route of administration; percentages are volume ratios of the final working solution. Start from a clear DMSO stock (see In Vitro above), add the co-solvents one at a time in the order listed, mixing after each addition, and prepare the working solution fresh on the day of dosing. If precipitation or phase separation occurs, gentle warming or sonication can help.
Protocol 1
| Composition | 10% DMSO + 40% PEG300 + 5% Tween-80 + 45% saline |
|---|---|
| Result | ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (34.69 mM); clear solution |
| How to prepare | Gives a clear solution at ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation not determined). For 1 mL of working solution: add 100 μL DMSO stock (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300; then 50 μL Tween-80; then 450 μL saline to bring the volume to 1 mL. Saline: dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH2O and make up to 100 mL. |
Protocol 2
| Composition | 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in saline) |
|---|---|
| Result | ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (34.69 mM); clear solution |
| How to prepare | Gives a clear solution at ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation not determined). For 1 mL of working solution: add 100 μL DMSO stock (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in saline. 20% SBE-β-CD in saline: dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD powder in 10 mL saline until clear (4°C, store up to one week). |
Protocol 3
| Composition | 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil |
|---|---|
| Result | ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (34.69 mM); clear solution |
| How to prepare | Gives a clear solution at ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation not determined). Use with caution if continuous dosing will exceed two weeks. For 1 mL of working solution: add 100 μL DMSO stock (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL corn oil. |
Data provided by the manufacturer.
In Vitro
Vaccine purification is one use of Propiolactone (β-propiolactone). SARS-CoV was chemically inactivated with Propiolactone (1:1000 v:v) once cells had been harvested by low-speed centrifugation. Incubation of SARS-CoV with Propiolactone lasted 24 h at 4°C, and a second incubation at room temperature hydrolyzed residual propiolactone. After inactivation with propiolactone, the inactivated virus was precipitated by adding a mixture of polyethylene glycol and sodium chloride (PEG-NaCl). Finally, Propiolactone (1:10000 v:v) was added as a bacteriostatic agent. Virus inactivated with Propiolactone loses infectivity in Vero cells[1]. Note: in water, Propiolactone is unstable and prone to hydrolysis. Use it immediately after dissolving it in water.
In Vivo
Mice received intramuscular immunization with influenza A virus inactivated with propiolactone (β-propiolactone) (~25 mg total protein per dose). After propiolactone inactivation treatment, SARS is non-lethal in young BALB/c mice. The virus replicated in the mouse respiratory tract but was cleared by day 5. Treatment with propiolactone yielded 1.5 μg of total hemagglutinin protein, which tested negative after infection of mice[1].
Data provided by the manufacturer. Numbered citations refer to the Literature Cited list in the product description.
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Antibody-dependent immune response of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) induced by inactivated viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) vaccine. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2026 Jun 22:176:111535. PMID: 42331240
