The Ultimate Guide to Bis(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) Peroxydicarbonate (CAS 15520-11-3): Properties, Applications, and Safety Protocols
Bis(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate (CAS 15520-11-3), commercially known as Perodox 16 or initiator BCHPC P16, is a high-performance organic peroxide critical for polymer manufacturing. This white crystalline solid () serves as a radical initiator in vinyl chloride polymerization and unsaturated polyester resin curing, enabling reactions at 40–65°C – a lower, energy-efficient range compared to many alternatives. With a molecular formula of C₂₂H₃₈O₆ and molecular weight of 398.5 g/mol, its 4.01% active oxygen content drives efficient decomposition into radicals upon heating, releasing CO₂, 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol, and 4-tert-butylcyclohexane as primary byproducts (). Classified as a UN 3114 Class 5.2 organic peroxide (Type C), it demands strict thermal control, with a self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) of 40°C and storage requirements below 25°C to prevent runaway reactions ().
Chemical Identity and Physical Properties
Synonyms: Perkadox 16, Di(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate, BCHPC, CAS 15520-11-3 ()
Molecular Formula: C₂₂H₃₈O₆ | Molecular Weight: 398.53 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white free-flowing powder ()
Thermal Stability:
SADT: 40°C | Critical Temperature (Tem): 35°C
Half-Lives: 0.1 hr at 82°C, 1 hr at 64°C, 10 hr at 48°C ()
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ketones, esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., chloroform), and aromatic solvents ()
Density: 1.06 g/cm³ | Melting Point: 39.5–92°C (varies by purity) ()
Industrial Applications and Performance Advantages
1. Vinyl Chloride Polymerization Initiator
Perkadox 16 excels in suspension and emulsion PVC production due to its controlled decomposition kinetics. When co-initiated with CUPN (cumyl peroxyneodecanoate) or LPO (lauroyl peroxide), it enables:
Polymerization at 40–65°C, reducing energy costs ()
High conversion rates (>95%) with minimal unreacted monomer residues
Improved PVC grain structure and porosity for superior plasticizer absorption
2. Thermoset Resin Curing Agent
In unsaturated polyesters (e.g., gel coats, sheet molding compounds), BCHPC provides:
Broad temperature activation range (50–140°C) for flexible curing schedules
Compatibility with co-agents like TBPB (tert-butyl peroxybenzoate) and CH335 for optimized cross-linking ()
Low-color contamination, critical for transparent or pigmented high-gloss finishes
3. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Photolithography
As a photosensitizer, it generates radicals under UV exposure, enabling precise etching in microelectronics ().
Safety, Handling, and Storage Protocols
Classified as a Type C organic peroxide (UN 3114), Perkadox 16 requires stringent safety measures:
Storage: Maintain at <25°C in ventilated, fireproof cabinets. Avoid proximity to acids, bases, amines, or heavy metals (e.g., copper, iron) that catalyze decomposition ().
Handling: Use anti-static equipment, grounded containers, and non-sparking tools. Personnel must wear chemical goggles, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing ().
Emergency Response: For spills, use inert absorbents (vermiculite, sand). Fire requires flooding volumes of water; NEVER use extinguishers promoting radical generation ().
Technical Specifications and Commercial Grades
Purity≥98%
Active Oxygen 4.00–4.02%
Packaging 20 kg UN-certified fiberboard boxes (Type II)
FAQs: Bis(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) Peroxydicarbonate
Q1: Can Perodox 16 replace dibenzoyl peroxide in PVC production?
Yes, but it offers lower initiation temperatures (40°C vs. 70°C), reducing steam consumption. However, formulations require recalibration due to differing half-lives.
Q2: What makes BCHPC suitable for low-temperature curing?
Its low activation energy (126.39 kJ/mol) allows radical generation at 48–64°C, unlike peroxides needing >80°C ().
Q3: Is refrigeration required for storage?
Mandatory in climates exceeding 25°C. Storage at 2–8°C extends shelf-life but avoid freezing to prevent crystal instability ().
Conclusion: Why Perodox 16 Dominates Specialty Polymer Production
Bis(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate (CAS 15520-11-3) remains unmatched for energy-efficient vinyl polymerization and resin curing. Its balance of controlled reactivity, handling stability (when protocols are followed), and commercial availability solidifies its role in PVC, composites, and electronics. For optimal results, source certified grades (e.g., GuoChen’s 98% BCHPC) and validate thermal profiles using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to match decomposition kinetics to process needs.