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Epoxide

An epoxide is an ether in which the oxygen atom is part of a ring of three atoms. This ring is approximately an equilateral triangle, i.e. its bond angles are about 60°, which puts it under strain. The strained ring makes epoxides more reactive than other ethers.

A polymer made of epoxide units is called a polyepoxide or an epoxy. Epoxy resins are used as adhesives and structural materials.