It consists of a highly reactive epoxide (oxirane) ring and a chloromethyl group and is present as a racemic mixture of optical isomers. Due to the strained epoxide ring it readily undergoes ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles such as water alcohols and amines while the chlorine atom also participates in substitution reactions. It is primarily produced from propylene and is widely used as an intermediate in the manufacture of epoxy resins synthetic glycerin elastomers ion-exchange resins and paper wet-strength resins. Epichlorohydrin is toxic and a probable human carcinogen requiring careful handling with appropriate safety measures.

It is widely used as a versatile chemical intermediate primarily in the production of epoxy resins that are essential for coatings adhesives and composite materials. It is also used in the manufacture of synthetic glycerin elastomers and plastics. In the paper industry it is utilized to produce wet-strength resins that improve the durability of paper products. Additionally epichlorohydrin is employed in the preparation of ion-exchange resins and water treatment chemicals as well as in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactive epoxide and chloromethyl functional groups make it valuable for forming cross-linked polymers and specialized chemical derivatives.

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