2-Butanone peroxide

Description

MEKP, an organic peroxide, is a colorlessliquid. Molecular weight= 176.24; Specific gravity(H2O:1)= 1.12 at15℃; Boiling point = (decomposes)117.89C; FreezingMelting point = about, 60℃. Flashpoint= 52-93℃ (oc)60%MEKP.HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 3, Flammability 2, Reactivity 2. Insoluble in water.

Chemical Properties

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (2-Butanone peroxide) is an organic peroxide with the formula [(CH3)(C2H5)C(O2H)]2O2. MEKP is a colorless oily liquid. It is widely used in vulcanization (crosslinking) of polymers.

Uses

2-Butanone peroxide is used to initiate thepolymerization of ethylene, styrene, vinylchloride, and other monomers; and for roomtemperature curing of polyester resins. It can also used as a crosslinking agent and catalyst in the production of other polymers. Reactive free radical-generating chemical used as a curing agent for unsaturated polyester resins; hardening agent for fiberglassreinforced plastics; manufacture of acrylic resin.

Application

2-Butanone peroxide can be used as the following reactants:
Studies of the adiabatic runaway reaction of Me Et Ketone peroxide.
Quantitation of metal ions in archaeological glass via abrasive stripping square-wave voltammetry.
Imaging of hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging substances by photon emission.
Synthesis of oligonucleotides via phosphoramidite method.
Oxidation of nucleoside phosphites into phosphates.
Comparing the relative effectiveness of human plasma glutathione peroxidase as a catalyst for reduction of hydroperoxidases.
2-Butanone peroxide can also be used as a direct electrochemical catalyst analyte for immobilized Hb in ethanol-water mixtures.

Preparation

2-Butanone peroxide is obtained by reacting methyl ethyl ketone with hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) in the presence of sulfuric acid. After oxidation, neutralization, separation, dehydration, standing, filtration, and finally adding the solubilizing agent to obtain the finished product.

General Description

Colorless liquid. Strong irritant to skin and tissue. Used as an initiator for room temperature cure of unsaturated polyester resins.

Reactivity Profile

2-Butanone peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flame and undergoes self-accelerating decomposition. Explosive decomposition occurs at 230° F. Sensitive to sunlight. Ignition and/or explosion may occur if mixed with readily oxidizable materials. Reacts with combustible materials such as wood, cloth or organic materials, with chlorine, and with metals (iron, copper and their alloys and aluminum and its alloys). Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers and chemical accelerators. Incompatible with heavy metals, acids and bases.

Hazard

Fire risk in contact with organic materials.Strong irritant to skin and tissue. Liver and kidneydamage.

Health Hazard

Extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Symptoms of exposure include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Health Hazard

MEK peroxide (2-Butanone peroxide) is a strong skin and eye irritantwith moderate acute and subchronic toxicity.Its toxicity is greater than di-t-butylperoxide and benzoyl peroxide. Inhalationof its vapors can cause injury to lungs withsymptoms of gross hemorrhages and hyperemia(Floyd and Stockinger 1958). Exposureto high concentrations may have damagingeffects on the liver and kidney. In humans,ingestion of 30–40 g can be toxic, whichmay cause gastrointestinal pain, nausea, andvomiting.
LC50 value, inhalation (mice): 170 ppm/4 h
LD₅₀ value, intraperitoneal (rats): 65 mg/kg
LD₅₀ value, oral (mice): 470 mg/kg
Its carcinogenicity is not yet fully established.It is reported (NIOSH 1986) to causetumor in mice.

Fire Hazard

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (2-Butanone peroxide) is a combustible and reactive liquid that may burn slowly at first, and after heating can burn violently and explosively.

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Human systemic effects by ingestion: changes in structure or function of esophagus, nausea or vomiting, other gastrointestinal effects. A moderate skin and eye irritant. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. A shock-sensitive explosive. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Potential Exposure

Tumorigen,Human Data; Primary Irritant. MEKP is used as a curingagent for thermosetting polyester resins and as a crosslinking agent and catalyst in the production of other polymers.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.

storage

MEK peroxide is diluted in a solvent or dispersedin a plasticizer, which greatly reducesits shock sensitivity. It is stored in a refrigeratorin a well-ventilated area and wellseparated from other chemicals. Peroxidewith an active oxygen content >9% maynot be shipped. Diluted material is shippedin metal drums with polyethylene liners orpolyethylene-lined paper bags in woodenboxes.

Shipping

UN3105 Organic peroxide type D, liquid, Hazard Class: 5.2; Labels: 5.2-Organic peroxide, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Forms explosive mixture with air (flash point varies). MEKP (2-Butanone peroxide) may exist in several different structures; decomposition temperatures may vary. Pure substance is shock-sensitive. Explosive decomposition above 176F/80C (also reported @ 230F/110C). Keep away from sources of ignition, heat, sunlight. A strong oxidizer. Violent reaction with strong acids; strong bases; reducing agents; combustible substances, organic materials; chemical accelerants; oxides of heavy metals; salts, trace contaminants; amines. May accumulate static electrical charges, and cause ignition of its vapors. Commercial product is diluted with 40% dimethyl phthalate, cyclohexane peroxide; or diallyl phthalate to reduce sensitivity to shock.

Waste Disposal

Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform to EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. MEKP may be destroyed by adding 20% NaOH solution slowly in a quantity about 10 times the weight of MEKP. Incineration is recommended if NaOH treatment is not used