Abbreviations TBHP Formula C4H10O2 | Density 935 kg/m³ Appearance Colorless liquid | |
 | ||
Tert butyl hydroperoxide
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) is an organic peroxide widely used in a variety of oxidation processes, for example Sharpless epoxidation. It is normally supplied as a 69–70% aqueous solution.
Contents
Application
Industrially, tert-butyl hydroperoxide is used as a radical polymerization initiator.
Synthesis and production
Many synthetic routes are available, including:
Safety
tert-butyl hydroperoxide is an exceptionally dangerous chemical that is highly reactive, flammable and toxic. It is corrosive to skin and mucous membranes and causes respiratory distress when inhaled.
A solution of tert-butyl hydroperoxide and water with a concentration of greater than 90% is forbidden to be shipped according to US Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Table 49 CFR 172.101.
In some sources it also has an NFPA 704 rating of 4 for health, 4 for flammability, 4 for reactivity and is a potent oxidant, however other sources claim lower ratings of 3-2-2 or 1-4-4.
