Perodox® T - tert-Butyl cumyl peroxide

tert-Butyl cumyl peroxide features a peroxide bridge (-O-O-) connecting a tert-butyl group ((CH₃)₃C-) and a cumyl group (C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂-). Its molecular formula is C₁₁H₁₆O₂.

The CAS Registry Number is 3457-61-2.

Its primary use is as a free-radical initiator in the polymerization of monomers like ethylene, styrene, and vinyl chloride.

It has a half-life of 10 hours at approximately 115°C and 1 hour at 135°C, indicating significant decomposition begins above 100°C.

The main decomposition products are tert-butanol and acetophenone.

No, it is not soluble in water but is miscible with many organic solvents like alcohols, ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons.

High-purity grades are typically ≥ 98.0%.

It must be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources, and reducing agents, ideally below 25°C.

Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), and protective clothing are mandatory. A lab coat and face shield are recommended.

Yes, if contaminated or subjected to high temperatures in large quantities, it can undergo self-accelerating decomposition.

The active oxygen content is approximately 7.8%.

The molecular weight is 180.24 g/mol.

It is commonly used for polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylic polymers.

Its decomposition rate at high pressures and temperatures (e.g., 1500-3000 bar, 150-300°C) is well-suited for controlling the exothermic polymerization reaction.

Yes, decomposition products like acetophenone may remain in trace amounts, which can affect odor and clarity.

The flash point is typically above 80°C (176°F), classifying it as combustible.

Concentration is commonly determined by Gas Chromatography (GC) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

When stored properly under recommended conditions, the shelf life is typically 6 months to 1 year. Stability should be checked regularly.

Yes, it is effective for crosslinking polymers like polyethylene and silicone rubber, improving their thermal and mechanical properties.

The systematic IUPAC name is 1-(tert-Butylperoxy)-1-phenylethane.

TBCP has a lower decomposition temperature compared to Dicumyl Peroxide. TBCP decomposes to volatile products (tert-butanol, acetophenone), while Dicumyl Peroxide yields cumyl alcohol and acetophenone, affecting polymer properties differently.

It is not typically classified as an explosive but is a thermally unstable substance and may cause fire or explosion if heated under confinement

It is typically packaged in sealed polyethylene or glass containers, often under an inert atmosphere like nitrogen to prevent decomposition.

The density at 20°C is approximately 1.02 g/cm³.

Yes, it can be used, particularly in the production of certain PVC and acrylic latexes, though its hydrophobicity requires careful formulation.

Waste material should be disposed of as hazardous waste through incineration in a licensed facility equipped to handle peroxides. Never dispose of down the drain.

It acts as a crosslinking agent (vulcanizing agent) that generates radicals upon heating, forming crosslinks between silicone polymer chains.

The half-life decreases exponentially with increasing temperature, following the Arrhenius equation.

Please refer to the current specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the correct shipping classification and UN number, as it depends on formulation and concentration.

Commercial products may contain small amounts of stabilizers to prevent premature decomposition during storage.

The heat of decomposition is significant and contributes to the risk of thermal runaway. The exact value should be obtained from specific calorimetric data (e.g., from ARC or DSC testing).

Yes, it can be used as one of the initiators in the polymerization process for EPS.

The refractive index (nD20) is approximately 1.495.

High pressure, as seen in LDPE reactors, can increase the decomposition rate and influence the radical yield.

Like many organic peroxides, it can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Chronic toxicity is low, but all handling should follow safety protocols.

It decomposes before boiling at atmospheric pressure, so a defined boiling point is not applicable.

Yes, it is effective for initiating the copolymerization of monomers like styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

It is a low-viscosity liquid, similar to many light oils.

TBCP has a higher decomposition temperature than benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is often used for curing polyesters at lower temperatures, while TBCP is suited for high-temperature polymerizations like LDPE.

The oxygen balance can be calculated from its formula (C₁₁H₁₆O₂) and is relevant for its combustion properties. Specific values are found in specialized chemical safety references.

It can be stored in containers made of certain materials like stainless steel or polyethylene. Compatibility with metals like copper, brass, or their alloys, which can catalyze decomposition, should be avoided.

The vapor pressure is low at room temperature but increases with temperature, contributing to flammability risk at elevated temperatures.

This depends on regional regulations (e.g., FDA, EFSA). The initiator and its decomposition products must comply with specific migration limits. Compliance must be verified for each application.

The auto-ignition temperature is a critical safety parameter. Consult the specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the tested value, which is typically determined experimentally.

It is often supplied and handled as a solution in an inert solvent like odorless mineral spirits or a phthalate ester to reduce its hazard potential.

The critical temperature refers to the temperature at which self-accelerating decomposition can occur in a specific package size. This is determined by thermal stability testing (e.g., using the UN SADT test).

No, as a liquid, it does not exhibit polymorphism.

The specific heat capacity (Cp) is a physical property important for thermal hazard assessment. Literature or experimental data should be consulted for the exact value.

While primarily a thermal initiator, it could potentially be used in redox systems with a suitable reducing agent, though this is not common.

It may absorb in the UV region due to the aromatic ring (cumyl group). Specific spectral data can be obtained from analytical references.

Initiator efficiency depends on the monomer and the system (e.g., viscosity, presence of inhibitors). It is generally high for many vinyl monomers.

For small fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray from a distance to cool exposed containers. Do not use direct water jets on the burning material.

Threshold quantities are defined by regulations like the EU Seveso Directive or OSHA PSM. The specific value depends on the pure substance's classification and should be checked in the relevant legal documents.

Distillation is extremely hazardous due to the thermal instability of peroxides and is generally not recommended. Purification is typically done by the manufacturer under controlled conditions.

The Hansen solubility parameters can be estimated computationally but are not commonly reported. Its solubility behavior is best determined experimentally.

It can be used as an initiator for acrylonitrile polymerization, such as in the production of ABS copolymers, often in combination with other initiators.

It is a liquid at room temperature and has a low pour point. It may solidify at very low temperatures, but a specific crystallization point is not a standard specification.

Biodegradability is not a primary characteristic of this stable organic compound; it is expected to be persistent in the environment. Proper disposal is crucial.

It is commonly available in drums ranging from 25 kg to 200 kg, or smaller laboratory quantities in glass bottles.