Azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of e-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and ethylene oxide and uses thereof

An azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of:

• (a) E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene;
• and
• (b) ethylene oxide;
• wherein the ethylene oxide is present in an effective amount to form an azeotrope-like combination with the E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.

A double azeotropic composition consisting essentially of:

• (a) E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene;
• and
• (b) ethylene oxide;
• wherein the ethylene oxide is present in an effective amount to form a double azeotropic combination with the E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.

A process for preparing a thermoplastic or thermoset foam comprising using an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition as a blowing agent, wherein said azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition consists essentially of:

• (a) E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene;
• and
• (b) ethylene oxide;
• wherein the ethylene oxide is present in an effective amount to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like combination with the E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.

A process for producing refrigeration comprising condensing an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition and thereafter evaporating said azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition in the vicinity of the body to be cooled, wherein said azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition consists essentially of:

• (a) E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene;
• and
• (b) ethylene oxide;
• wherein the ethylene oxide is present in an effective amount to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like combination with the E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.

A process comprising using an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition as a solvent, wherein said azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition consists essentially of:

• (a) E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene;
• and
• (b) ethylene oxide;
• wherein the ethylene oxide is present in an effective amount to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like combination with the E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.