Substance profile
Di-tert-butyl peroxide
Di-tert-butyl peroxide is a clear, water-white liquid.
01 · Identification
What Di-tert-butyl peroxide is
Di-tert-butyl peroxide is a clear, water-white liquid. Its molecular formula is C8H18O2 and its molecular weight is 146.23 g/mol. It boils at 111 °C, melts at -40 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H242 | Heating may cause a fire. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P280, P308, P313, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Di-tert-butyl peroxide 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 | 111 °C (231.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 111.11 °C (232 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 111 °C (231.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -40 °C (-40 °F) | HSDB | |
| -29 °C (-20.2 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Density | 0.8 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.704 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.791 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| In water, 1.71 mg/L at 20 °C, pH 8.1 | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 100 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 19.51 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 19.5016 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 25.1 mmHg | at 25 °C, calculated from experimentally derived coefficients | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 1 °C (33.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 18.33 °C (65 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 12 °C (53.6 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Vapor/air mixtures are explosive. | HSDB | |
| Prevention: Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do not use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 5.03 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Di-tert-butyl peroxide
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 Di-tert-butyl peroxide
Storage conditions
Store in original container. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C. Storage class (TRGS 510): Organic peroxides and self-reacting hazardous materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong reducing agents, powdered metals, strong bases.
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 Di-tert-butyl peroxide in the storage compatibility matrix →