Dilauroyl peroxide (Lauroyl peroxide) is a tasteless, coarse, white powder.
Dilauroyl peroxide is not a deflagration hazard. However,
it has been judged an intermediate fire hazard by Noller
et al. When all the physical tests available for this
peroxide are evaluated collectively, it actually ranks as a
low physical hazard .
Lauroyl peroxide is used as an initiatorfor free-radical polymerization in makingpolyvinyl chloride. Lauroyl peroxide constitutesabout 4% of all organic peroxides consumptionin the United States.
Dilauroyl peroxide is produced by reaction of lauroyl chloride with sodium
peroxide. Its major use is as an initiator for vinyl chloride. It is
used as a polymerization agent in the plastics industry and as a
curing agent for rubber. It has also been used as a burnout agent
for acetate yarns. The pharmaceutical industry uses it in topical
creams in combination with antibiotics for acne treatment .
Lauroyl peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, drying agent for fats, oils and waxes. Further, it serves as a polymerization initiator as well as vulcanizing agent. In addition to this, it plays an important role for high-pressure polyethylene and food used in bleaching agent.
Dilauroyl peroxide is the symmetrical peroxide of lauric acid. It is produced by treating lauroyl chloride with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of base:
2C11H23COCl + H2O2+ 2NaOH → (C11H23CO2)2 + 2HCl
ChEBI: Lauroyl peroxide is a dicarboxylic acid.
Dilauroyl peroxide appears as a white solid with a faint soapy odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Melting point 49 °C. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Strong skin irritant. Used as bleaching agent, drying agent for fats, oils and waxes, and as a polymerization catalyst.
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Dilauroyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent. Can ignite organic materials; hence a dangerous fire and explosion risk [Hawley]. Strongly reduced material such as sulfides, nitrides, and hydrides may react explosively. Vigorous reactions with other reducing agents. With charcoal sometimes ignites. [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1194].
Contact with liquid irritates eyes and skin. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.
Lauroyl peroxide is a mild eye irritant; theirritation from 500 mg/day in rabbits’ eyeswas mild. It is nontoxic. Prolonged exposureto laboratory animals caused tumors at thesite of application. However, the evidence ofcarcinogenicity in animals is inadequate todate.
Behavior in Fire: Can increase the severity of a fire. Becomes sensitive to shock when hot. Containers may explode in a fire. May ignite or explode spontaneously if mixed with flammable materials.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has evaluated the carcinogenicity of
lauroyl peroxide. They classified it as a Group 3 material,
which means there is limited or inadequate evidence for
animals and inadequate or absent information for
humans . The carcinogenicity of this peroxide has primarily
been studied using skin applications. After a single
topical application of 10, 20, or 40 mg of lauroyl peroxide,
the epidermal thickness increased markedly. This hyperplasia
was characterized by a sustained production of dark basal
keratinocytes. This peroxide is inactive as a tumor
initiator or as a complete carcinogen. However, it is as
effective as benzoyl peroxide as a skin tumor promoter.
Store in a well-ventilated, cool area, isolatedfrom other chemicals. It is shippedin fiber drums not exceeding 100 lb. Smallamounts may be shipped in 1-lb fiberboardboxes.
Crystallise it from n-hexane or *benzene and store it below 0o. Potentially EXPLOSIVE. [cf Beilstein 2 IV 1102.]
Although lauroyl peroxide is relatively lesshazardous, it is recommended that to handlespills and disposal, the same safety measuresbe followed as those for other hazardousorganic peroxides.
