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The Essential Guide to Dilauroyl Peroxide (CAS 105-74-8): Properties, Applications & Safety

· Organic Peroxide,Perodox

Dilauroyl peroxide (DLP)​​, systematically named bis(1-oxododecyl) peroxide and identified by ​​CAS number 105-74-8​​, is a critical organic peroxide widely leveraged in industrial chemistry. This white crystalline solid, with a molecular formula of ​​C₂₄H₄₆O₄​​ and a molecular weight of ​​398.62 g/mol​​, serves as a cornerstone in polymer synthesis and material processing. Its unique structure─two lauroyl (dodecanoyl) chains bridged by a reactive peroxide bond (-O-O-)─enables controlled radical generation under thermal activation, making it indispensable across sectors.

​​I. Fundamental Properties & Structure​​

​​Physical Characteristics​​

​​Appearance​​: White granular or powdery solid with a faint characteristic odor.

​​Melting Point​​: 53–57°C; decomposes explosively above 60°C.

​​Density​​: 0.91 g/cm³ at 25°C.

​​Solubility​​: Insoluble in water; highly soluble in nonpolar solvents (e.g., chloroform, acetone, mineral oils) and partially soluble in alcohols.

​​Chemical Reactivity​​

The peroxide bond (-O-O-) undergoes homolytic cleavage at ​​40–70°C​​, generating ​​lauroyloxyl radicals​​ (C₁₁H₂₃COO•). These radicals initiate chain reactions, enabling:

Polymerization of vinyl monomers (e.g., ethylene, vinyl chloride).

Cross-linking of polyesters and rubbers.

​​Thermal Stability​​

Decomposes at ​​>100°C​​, releasing volatile hydrocarbons and ketones. ​​Critical safety note​​: Rapid decomposition occurs above 60°C, posing explosion risks.

Table 1: Key Physical Properties of Dilauroyl Peroxide

​​Property​​ ​​Value​​

CAS Number 105-74-8

Molecular Formula C₂₄H₄₆O₄

Molecular Weight 398.62 g/mol

Melting Point 53–57°C

Density (25°C) 0.91 g/cm³

Solubility in Water Insoluble

Stability Stable at <30°C; explosive >60°C

​​II. Synthesis & Industrial Production​​

DLP is synthesized via ​​Schotten-Baumann reaction​​ between lauroyl chloride and hydrogen peroxide:

​​Reaction Protocol​​:

Dissolve lauroyl chloride in petroleum ether.

Add aqueous NaOH and 6% H₂O₂ at ​​<45°C​​ with vigorous stirring.

Cool mixture with ice water; filter and wash crystals to neutrality.

​​Yield & Purity​​:

Industrial-grade DLP achieves ​​≥97% purity​​; high-purity grades (≥99%) are used in food/pharma applications.

​​III. Major Industrial Applications​​

​​A. Polymer Industry​​

​​Free-Radical Initiator​​

​​High-Pressure Polyethylene (LDPE)​​: DLP initiates ethylene polymerization at ​​1,500–3,000 atm​​, controlling molecular weight distribution.

​​Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)​​: Combined with di-tert-butyl peroxide to optimize suspension polymerization kinetics.

​​Polypropylene Modification​​: Enhances melt flow index via controlled degradation.

​​Curing & Cross-Linking Agent​​

​​Unsaturated Polyesters​​: Accelerates resin hardening in fiberglass composites.

​​Rubber Vulcanization​​: Improves elasticity and heat resistance in synthetic rubbers.

​​B. Food & Consumer Goods​​

​​Edible Oil Bleaching​​: Degrades carotenoids in palm/coconut oils (≤0.05% w/w).

​​Cosmetic Products​​: Acne creams (e.g., benzoyl peroxide alternatives) at <5% concentration.

​​C. Specialty Uses​​

​​Foaming Agent​​: Generates N₂/CO₂ in polymeric foams.

​​Drying Catalyst​​: For alkyd paints and coatings.

Table 2: Industrial Applications of Dilauroyl Peroxide

​​Industry​​ ​​Function​​ ​​Examples​​

Polymer Manufacturing Free-radical initiator LDPE, PVC, polystyrene

Materials Processing Cross-linking agent Rubber, polyurethane foams

Food Technology Bleaching agent Vegetable oils, flour

Cosmetics Antimicrobial agent Acne treatments, hair products

​​IV. Safety & Regulatory Compliance​​

​​Hazard Profile​​

​​Explosivity​​: Classified as ​​UN 3106 (5.2 Organic Peroxide)​​; detonates under heat/shock.

​​Health Risks​​: Skin/eye irritant; IARC classifies as ​​Group 3 carcinogen​​ (limited evidence).

​​Storage & Handling​​

Store at ​​2–8°C​​ under water or inert gas (N₂/Ar).

Avoid contact with ​​reductants​​, ​​heavy metals​​, and ​​acids​​ to prevent runaway reactions.

​​Regulatory Status​​

​​EPA TSCA​​: Listed for commercial use.

​​EU REACH​​: Requires explosion-proof processing.

​​V. Future Outlook​​

DLP remains vital for ​​high-pressure polymer synthesis​​, though alternatives like di-tert-butyl peroxide offer better thermal stability. Emerging roles in ​​nanomaterial functionalization​​ and ​​recyclable elastomers​​ are under research. Sustainable synthesis methods─using enzyme-catalyzed peroxidation─may address ecological concerns.

​​Dilauroyl peroxide (CAS 105-74-8)​​ exemplifies how molecular simplicity enables industrial versatility. From creating food-safe plastics to refining edible oils, its reactive prowess demands equal respect for chemistry and caution. As industries prioritize greener processes, innovations in peroxide stabilization and delivery will define DLP’s next chapter.