Substance profile
Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide
Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide is crystals from ethanol.
01 · Identification
What Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)… is
Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide is crystals from ethanol. Its molecular formula is C18H22O2 and its molecular weight is 270.4 g/mol. It boils at 130 °C, melts at 40 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H242 | Heating may cause a fire. |
| H360D | May damage the unborn child. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P273, P280, P302, P305, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)… properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 130 °C (266 °F) | decomposes, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 100 °C (212 °F) | at 0.2 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 40 °C (104 °F) | HSDB | |
| 39 °C (102.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| Solubility | Solubility in water: none | ICSC | |
| less than 1 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 22.78 °C | CAMEO | |
| In water, 0.4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 71.11 °C (160 °F) | HSDB | |
| 71 °C (159.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Severe explosion hazard when shocked, exposed to heat, or by spontaneous chemical reaction. | Organic peroxides | HSDB |
| Vapor density | 9.3 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)…
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
Seven organic peroxides were tested for propagation and power of explosion, and for shock sensitivity. Tert-butylperoxybenzoate and dibenzoylperoxide showed high shock sensitivity and explosive powers of 40 and 25% of TNT respectively. Di-tert-butylperoxide showed medium sensitivity and a power of 30% TNT. Cumyl hydroperoxide (80% in cumene), dibenzoylperoxide (75% in water), dicumyl peroxide and dilauroyl peroxide did not propagate explosion.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)…
Storage conditions
Store in original container. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature 2-8 °C.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts violently with acids, bases, reducing agents, and heavy metals.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
The explosive instability of the lower dialkyl peroxides (e.g., dimethyl peroxide) and 1,1-bis-peroxides decreases rapidly with increasing chain length and degree of branching, the di-tert-alkyl derivatives being amongst the most stable class of peroxides. Though many 1,1-bis-peroxides have been reported, few have been purified because of the higher explosion hazards compared with the monofunctional peroxides. It is unlikely that this derivative would be particularly unstable compared to other peroxides in its class [Bretherick 2nd ed., p 44 1979].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)… in the storage compatibility matrix →