n-butyl-4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy) valerate is a colorless to
straw liquid, with slight bleach-like odor. The product is a
colorless liquid with slight camphor odor, chemically unstable
(should only be handled under specified conditions,
below 38°C/100°F). Contact with incompatible materials
or exposure to temperatures exceeding the self accelerating
decomposition temperature may result in a self-accelerating
decomposition reaction with release of flammable vapors
that may autoignite.
Butyl 4,4-bis(tert-butyldioxy)valerate is sensitive to heat. Storage of Butyl 4,4-bis(tert-butyldioxy)valerate must be done so with stringent temperature control measures. It's explosion hazard is also mitigated by mixing the peroxide with an inert solid.
Peroxides, such as N-BUTYL-4,4-DI-(TERT-BUTYLPEROXY)VALERATE, 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. Danger of explosion when dry. May explode from heat, shock, friction or contamination. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
