Organic peroxides are a class of compounds that have unusual stability problems, making them among the most hazardous substances found in most laboratories.
Organic peroxides are powerful explosives. They're sensitive to oxygen, heat, friction, impact, light, and strong oxidizing and reducing agents.
The risk associated with peroxide increases if the peroxide crystalizes or becomes concentrated by evaporation or distillation. Peroxide-forming materials react with oxygen – even at low concentrations – to form peroxy compounds. Peroxide crystals may form on the container plug or the threads of the lid and detonate when the lid is twisted.
Ensure peroxide-forming materials are used before the manufacturer's expiration date. Purchase quantities you expect to use within six months to one year.
Materials that form dangerous organic peroxides over time include the following classes of chemicals:
- Ethers (especially cyclic ethers and those containing primary and secondary alcohol groups)
- Aldehydes
- Compounds containing benzylic hydrogen atoms (particularly if the hydrogens are on tertiary carbon atoms)
- Compounds containing the allylic structure, including most alkenes
- Vinyl and vinylidene compounds
Identify peroxide formers in your chemical inventory. Read Common Laboratory Chemicals That Form Organic Peroxides.
Storage and handling of these materials requires careful labeling, observation, and testing to guard against and recognize the formation of organic peroxides.
Need an expert? Contact an EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist.
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