Chemical Properties
colourless liquid with a pungent odour.
General Description
Colorless liquid with a sharp odor. Consists of a solution of acetyl peroxide in dimethyl phthalate. Sinks in water.
Reactivity Profile
Peroxides, such as ACETYL PEROXIDE, are good oxidizing agents. Organic compounds can ignite on contact with concentrated peroxides. Strongly reduced material such as sulfides, nitrides, and hydrides may react explosively with peroxides. There are few chemical classes that do not at least produce heat when mixed with peroxides. Many produce explosions or generate gases (toxic and nontoxic). Generally, dilute solutions of peroxides (<70%) are safe, but the presence of a catalyst (often a transition metal such as cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, or vanadium) as an impurity may even then cause rapid decomposition, a buildup of heat, and even an explosion. Solutions of peroxides often become explosive when evaporated to dryness or near-dryness.
Health Hazard
Contact with liquid causes irritation of eyes and skin. If ingested, irritates mouth and stomach.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: May explode. Burns with accelerating intensity.
Uses
Diacetyl peroxide diluted solutions with<25% strength are used as free-radicalsources to initiate polymerizations and inorganic syntheses.
storage
Diacetyl peroxide is stored and shipped as a25% solution in dimethyl phthalate; the storagetemperature must not go down below-5°C (23°F) or above 32°C (89.6°F); it isstored in a cool and well-ventilated areaisolated from other chemicals and protectedfrom physical damage. Concentration, maximumto 25%, can be shipped in amber bottlesor polyethylene carboy containers with ventcaps not exceeding 10 and 45 lb.
Waste Disposal
It is ignited on the ground in a remoteoutdoor area using a long torch. Rinse theempty containers with 5–10% caustic sodaor caustic potash solution.
