1. What is Cumene Hydroperoxide?
Cumene Hydroperoxide (CHP, C₉H₁₂O₂) is an organic peroxide used as a key catalyst and initiator in industrial chemistry. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, soluble in ethanol, acetone, and hydrocarbons but slightly soluble in water. With a molecular weight of 152.19 and CAS number 80-15-9, it decomposes at 75°C and requires careful storage below 30°C.
2. Industrial Applications
Polymerization Catalyst: CHP initiates ABS graft polymerization and ethylene cracking gasoline dearsenication.
Resin Curing: Ideal for room-temperature and heated resin systems (e.g., composites). Its slow, controlled exothermic reaction minimizes cracks in thick cross-linked products.
Organic Synthesis: Oxidizes sulfides to sulfoxides, epoxidizes olefins, and enables asymmetric reactions like Sharpless epoxidation.
Phenol/Acetone Production: Critical intermediate in the cumene process for manufacturing phenol and acetone.
3. Advantages Over Alternatives
Compared to methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP), CHP offers:
Reduced bubble formation in cured products.
Lower exothermic peaks, preventing thermal cracks.
Better control over curing speed (up to 24 hours).
Limitation: Longer gelation time in cold environments.
4. Safety and Handling
CHP is highly reactive and thermally unstable:
Risks: Explosive decomposition above 109°C; reacts violently with acids, reducers, or metal ions.
Storage: Keep in cool (<30°C), dry, ventilated areas. Avoid contamination with organic materials.
Protection: Use gloves, goggles, and fireproof equipment. Never return unused material to containers.
5. Innovations: NHPI Catalysis
Recent studies highlight N-Hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as a catalyst for selective CHP synthesis. This method operates under milder conditions, boosts selectivity, and reduces wastewater pollution.