TERT-BUTYL HYDROPEROXIDE

tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (and related organic peroxides)
(TBHP; 2-hydroperoxy-2-methylpropane)
CAS 75-91-2

(CH₃)₃COOH

Colorless liquid
Commercially available as 70 and 90% aqueous solutions and as "anhydrous solutions" in hydrocarbon solvents (e.g., decane)
70% aq TBHP: bp 96 °C, mp -3 °C
Moderately soluble in water

Not available

62 mmHg at 45 °C

27 to 54 °C

Self-accelerating decomposition at 88 to 93 °C

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 406 mg/kg

LD₅₀ skin (rabbit) 460 mg/kg

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 500 ppm (4 h)

Highly reactive oxidizing agent; sensitive to heat and shock; eye and skin irritant.

Moderately toxic by inhalation and ingestion and severely irritating to the eyes and skin.

t-Butyl hydroperoxide has not been found to be carcinogenic or to show reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans.

tert-Butyl hydroperoxide is a flammable liquid and a highly reactive oxidizing agent. Pure TBHP is shock sensitive and may explode on heating. Carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers should be used for fires involving tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

tert-Butyl hydroperoxide and concentrated aqueous solutions of TBHP react violently with traces of acid and the salts of certain metals, including, in particular, manganese, iron, and cobalt. Mixing anhydrous tert-butyl hydroperoxide with organic and readily oxidized substances can cause ignition and explosion. TBHP can initiate polymerization of certain olefins.

tert-Butyl hydroperoxide should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" described in Chapter 5.C supplemented by the additional precautions for work with reactive and explosive substances (Chapter 5.G). In particular, tert-butyl hydroperoxide should be stored in the dark at room temperature (do not refrigerate) separately from oxidizable compounds, flammable substances, and acids. Reactions involving this substance should be carried out behind a safety shield.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If tert-butyl hydroperoxide is inhaled or ingested, obtain medical attention immediately.

In the event of a spill, remove all ignition sources, soak up the tert-butyl hydroperoxide with a spill pillow or noncombustible absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area. Cleanup of anhydrous tert-butyl hydroperoxide and concentrated solutions requires special precautions and should be carried out by trained personnel working from behind a body shield.

Excess tert-butyl hydroperoxide and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.