Epichlorohydrin is primarily converted to bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, the building block for epoxy resins. [12] It is also a precursor for other resins and polymer monomers. Another use is conversion to synthetic glycerol. However, rapid growth in biodiesel production, of which glycerol is a waste product, has resulted in excess glycerol on the market, making the process uneconomical. Synthetic glycerol is now only used in sensitive pharmaceutical and biotech applications with very high quality standards. [13]

Epichlorohydrin is a versatile precursor for the synthesis of many organic compounds. For example, it is converted to glycidyl nitrate, a high-energy binder used in explosives and propellant compositions. [14] Epichlorohydrin reacts with an alkali metal nitrate such as sodium nitrate to form glycidyl nitrate and alkali metal chloride. It is used as a solvent for cellulose, resins, and paints, and as an insect fumigant.

Polymers made from epichlorohydrin, such as polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins, are used in paper reinforcement and in the food industry to make tea bags, coffee filters and sausage/salami casings, as well as for water purification.

An important biochemical application of epichlorohydrin is as a crosslinking agent for the production of Sephadex size exclusion chromatography resin from dextran.

Epichlorohydrin is classified as a possible or probable carcinogen to humans by several international health research agencies and groups. Taking epichlorohydrin by mouth in high concentrations over a long period of time may cause stomach problems and increase the risk of cancer. Occupational exposure to epichlorohydrin through inhalatio。