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COMMON PEROXIDE FORMING MATERIALS


Some chemicals break down over time and form an explosive solid called a Peroxide.

Peroxides may be formed especially in Ethers that have been stored for a long period of time. A minor shock, or even the friction of twisting off of the top of a container, may be sufficient to detonate the material. The potential for Peroxide formation is increased by exposure to light and contact with air.

  • The following is a list of materials that are likely to contain Peroxides following extended storage.
  • These compounds should be ordered in small quantities so that the material is used quickly.
  • The container(s) must be dated when received, and discarded through the no later than six (6) months from the expiration date marked on the container, even if unopened.

Explosive peroxides may form in the following materials :

Acetal Cellosolve (2-Ethoxy Ethanol)
Cumene Cyclohexadiene
Cyclohexene Decahydronaphthalene
Diacetylene Dicyclopentadiene
Diethyl Ether Diethylene Glycol
Dimethoxyethane Dimethyl Ether (Diglyme)
Dioxane Divinyl Acetylene
Ether (Glyme) Ethoxyethyl Acetate
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Isopropyl Ether
Isopropyl Benzene Isopropyl Alcohol
Methyl Acetylene Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydronaphthalene Vinyl Benzene (Styrene)
Vinyl Ethers Vinylidine Chloride

Peroxides also form in the following chemical groups :

DIENE ETHOXY METHOXY GLYME ISOPROPYL

This list does not cover all materials known to form peroxides, but should serve as a conservative guide to alert personnel to the types of materials which possess this capability. For additional information on peroxide formers contact the Health and Safety at (915) - 5433.

 

 

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