Ethyl hydroperoxide is the organic compound with the formula CH3CH2OOH. It is a colorless liquid that is miscible with water and diethyl ether.
Ethyl hydroperoxide is formed in the flame of burning alkanes. Ethyl hydroperoxide is also formed in the catalytic reaction of ethane and hydrogen peroxide. Yet another way to form ethyl hydroperoxide is by a photocatalytic oxidation of ethane:
CH3CH3 + O2 → CH3CH2OOH
Explodes violently
when superheated. The barium salt is heat and impact-sensitive. Explosive reaction
with hydroiodic acid or finely divided silver.
When heated to decomposition it emitsacrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also
PEROXIDES.
