Substance profile
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide is a liquid.
01 · Identification
What tert-Butyl hydroperoxide is
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide is a liquid. Its molecular formula is C4H10O2 and its molecular weight is 90.12 g/mol. It boils at 89 °C, melts at -8 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th 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 |
|---|---|
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide 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 | 89 °C (192.2 °F) | decomposes, decomposes | HSDB |
| 88.89 °C (192 °F) | decomposes, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 35 °C (95 °F) | at 20 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -8 °C (17.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 6 °C (42.8 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -7.78 °C (18 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.896 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.88 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Moderately soluble in water | HSDB | ||
| Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 23.0269 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 3.07 mmHg | at 20 °C | DOE PAC | |
| 5.46 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 26.67 °C (80 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 43 °C (109.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 26.67 °C (80 °F) | below this value | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 238 °C (460.4 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 5 % by volume | ICSC | |
| May explode on heating. | From table | HSDB | |
| Moderately explosive; may explode during distillation. | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 2.07 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.1 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.05 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling tert-Butyl hydroperoxide
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
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Violent reactions with traces of acids. Concentrated solutions may ignite spontaneously on contact with molecular sieve. Mixtures with transition metal salts may react vigorously and release oxygen.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Most alkyl monohydroperoxides, such as TERT-BUTYL HYDROPEROXIDE, are liquid. The explosivity of the lower members (e.g., methyl hydroperoxide or possibly traces of the dialkyl peroxides) decreasing with increasing chain length and branching, [Bretherick 2nd ed. 1979 p. 10]. Though relatively stable explosions have been caused by distillation to dryness [Milas, JACS, 1946 68 205] or attempted distillation at atmospheric pressure (Castrantas 1965 p 15). Very soluble in organic solvents and alkali metal hydroxide solutions. Combustible and a moderate fire risk [Hawley].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check tert-Butyl hydroperoxide in the storage compatibility matrix →