Bis-(2-Ethoxy)ethyl peroxydicarbonate (CAS 763-69-9), also known as LQ-EEP-AT50 or Peroxydicarbonic acid, bis(2-ethoxyethyl) ester, is a high-performance organic peroxide widely used as a polymerization initiator. With its molecular formula C₁₀H₁₈O₈ and molecular weight of 266.2 g/mol, this compound combines exceptional reactivity with precise thermal control, making it indispensable for advanced polymer synthesis. This comprehensive guide explores its chemical properties, industrial applications, safety protocols, and market dynamics, positioning it as a critical tool for chemists and engineers in the plastics, coatings, and specialty materials sectors.
1. Chemical Identity and Key Properties
IUPAC Name: Bis-(2-ethoxy)ethyl peroxydicarbonate
CAS Registry: 763-69-9
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₈O₈
Appearance: Colorless to pale-yellow transparent liquid, free of visible impurities .
Theoretical Active Oxygen Content: 6.02% (practical measured value: 3.01%) .
Solubility: Miscible with organic solvents (e.g., toluene, mineral oils); insoluble in water.
Thermal and Safety Parameters
Decomposition Products: CO₂ and 2-ethoxyethanol .
Half-Life in Chlorobenzene:
0.1 hours at 76°C
1 hour at 57°C
10 hours at 40°C .
Critical Temperatures:
Self-Accelerating Decomposition Temperature (SADT): 15°C
Emergency Temperature (Tem): 5°C
Control Temperature (Tc): -5°C
Storage Temperature (Ts): ≤ -15°C .
Table 1: Thermal Stability Profile
Parameter Value Significance
SADT 15°C Max ambient temp to avoid spontaneous reaction
Half-Life (40°C) 10 hours Predictable reactivity for process design
Storage Temp ≤ -15°C Prevents decomposition during logistics
2. Synthesis and Industrial Production
Bis-(2-Ethoxy)ethyl peroxydicarbonate is synthesized via two primary routes:
A. Esterification Method
2-Ethoxyethanol reacts with phosgene or chloroformates, followed by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This low-temperature process (<30°C) minimizes side reactions and achieves yields exceeding 85% .
B. Oxidative Coupling
2-Ethoxyethyl chloroformate is treated with sodium peroxide in anhydrous solvents. While faster, this method requires stringent oxygen exclusion to prevent explosive decomposition .
Industrial Scale: Supplied as 50–65% solutions in mineral oil or xylene to stabilize reactivity. Commercial purity standards require ≥99% active compound and ≤150 mg/kg hydrolyzable chlorides .
3. Key Industrial Applications
A. Vinyl Polymerization
PVC Production: Initiates low-temperature (40–60°C) suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride, producing resins with uniform molecular weight distribution and high clarity. Efficiency surpasses traditional initiators like AIBN due to faster radical generation .
Acrylic Copolymers: Enables emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate for adhesives and coatings with enhanced weather resistance.
B. Specialty Polymers
Photochromic Lenses: Facilitates copolymerization of diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate) monomers, achieving optical-grade clarity and impact resistance .
Biomedical Hydrogels: Used in synthesizing cross-linked hydrogels for drug delivery systems due to its residue-free decomposition.
C. Dyes and Inks
Stabilizes pigment dispersions in UV-curable inks, reducing agglomeration and improving color vibrancy.
Table 2: Performance Comparison with Common Initiators
Initiator Optimal Temp Range PVC Resin Quality Storage Stability
LQ-EEP-AT50 (CAS 763-69-9) 40–65°C High clarity, uniform MW 3 months at -15°C
EHP (CAS 16111-62-9) 45–75°C Moderate yellowness 1–2 months at -15°C
BPO 70–90°C Low thermal stability Stable at 25°C
4. Safety and Handling Protocols
Classified as UN 3115 (Class 5.2 Organic Peroxide), this compound demands rigorous safety practices:
Storage Requirements
Temperature: Maintain ≤ -15°C in explosion-proof freezers with continuous temperature logging .
Container: Use original polyethylene drums (standard: 20 kg); never transfer to glass or metal.
Ventilation: Store in dedicated ventilated cabinets with blast walls, separated from acids, reducers, or combustibles .
Operational Safeguards
Personal Protection: Neoprene gloves, full-face shields, and static-dissipative clothing.
Fire Response: For small fires, use dry powder extinguishers (e.g., monoammonium phosphate); large fires require water curtains for cooling .
Spill Management: Absorb with inert materials (vermiculite, sand) and dispose as hazardous waste.
Decomposition Risks
R48/22 Hazard: Prolonged exposure risks severe lung/liver damage .
Decomposition Triggers: Heat >40°C, UV light, or friction.
5. Market Analysis and Supplier Landscape
Global Suppliers (Data as of 2025)
Pricing: 28–1,000/kg (pure grade); $920/kg (60% solution) .
Key Manufacturers:
Shandong Do Sender Chemicals Co.,Ltd. : 25 kg/plastic drum, 99% purity.
Logistics: Air transport prohibited; sea freight in UN-certified containers with temperature trackers.
Demand Drivers
PVC Market Growth: 4.3% CAGR (2024–2030) boosting initiator consumption.
Shift to Low-Temp Processes: Energy efficiency mandates favor CAS 763-69-9 over azobisinitriles.
6. Future Research and Innovations
Microencapsulation: Embedding in polymer shells to enhance storage stability (ongoing trials at Tsinghua University).
Hybrid Initiator Systems: Combining with dialkyl peroxides to reduce dosage and byproduct formation.
Biodegradable Polymers: Exploring polylactic acid (PLA) synthesis for circular economy compliance.
Conclusion: Strategic Advantages of CAS 763-69-9
Bis-(2-Ethoxy)ethyl peroxydicarbonate (CAS 763-69-9) bridges precision chemistry and industrial scalability. Its unmatched efficiency in vinyl polymerization, coupled with stringent but manageable safety protocols, makes it irreplaceable for high-quality polymer manufacturing. As industries prioritize energy-efficient and sustainable processes, this initiator will cement its role in next-generation material production.
Key SEO Keywords: Organic Peroxide Initiator, Polymerization Catalyst, CAS 763-69-9, Vinyl Chloride Initiator, Low-Temperature Peroxide, Peroxydicarbonate Safety, PVC Production Chemical.