Diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate

Chemical properties

White crystalline solid with a mild characteristicodor; mp 8–10°C (46.4–50°F); density1.080 at 15°C (59°F); slightly soluble inwater, 0.04% at 25°C (77°F), soluble in ether,chloroform, benzene, hexane, and isooctane.

The Uses of Diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate

It is used as a catalyst to initiate polymerizationreactions to produce polymers fromethylene, styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride,and vinyl esters. Polymers of increasedlinearity and better properties can be obtainedby optimizing its concentration, temperature,and pressure conditions.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 72, p. 1254, 1950 DOI: 10.1021/ja01159a052

General Description

A white solid (shipped packed in Dry Ice to stabilize) with a sharp unpleasant odor. Insoluble in sater and sinks in water. Used as polymerization catalyst.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water. Spontaneous decomposition at room temperature releases flammable toxic products.

Reactivity Profile

ISOPROPYL PEROXYDICARBONATE decomposes violently or explosively at temperatures 0-10°C owing to self- accelerating exothermic decomposition; Several explosions were due to shock, heat, or friction; amines and certain metals can cause accelerated decomposition [Bretherick 1979 p. 156]. Spontaneous decomposition possible at room temperature to release flammable and corrosive products (presence of stabilizer reduces this possibility). A strong oxidizing agent. May ignite organic compounds on contact, hence a fire risk. Strongly reduced material such as sulfides, nitrides, and hydrides can react explosively. Reacts at least to produce heat when mixed with members of most chemical classes. These reactions often generate gases (toxic and nontoxic). Subject to decomposition, buildup of heat and even an explosion if contaminated with a catalyst (often a transition metal such as cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, or vanadium or a salt of a transition metal).

Health Hazard

Inhalation overexposure unlikely, but prolonged exposure may cause lung edema. Contact with eyes may cause irritation. Solutions are severe primary skin irritants.

Health Hazard

Diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate is a moderateskin irritant. The irritation can be severe onrabbit skin. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitisand corneal ulcerations, which, however,are fully recoverable in 1–2 weeks. Itstoxicity is very low. There is no report of itsill effect on humans. It may cause dermatitison sensitive skin.
LD₅₀ value, oral (rats): 21,410 mg/kg.

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: May decompose with the formation of oxygen when in contact with metals; Stability During Transport: Unstable at temperatures above 0°F with the formation of oxygen gas; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. A severe eye irritant. Very dangerous fire hazard. Dangerously unstable above 10°C. An impactand heat-sensitive explosive. Solutions may spontaneously explode (the hazard increases with concentration). Storage in sealed containers map be dangerous. Explodes on contact with amines or potassium iodide. May explode on contact with organic matter. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. See also PEROXIDES, ORGANIC

Waste Disposal

Larger quantities can be disposed of by scatteringin a disposal area where it melts andgradually decomposes. Small quantities aredestroyed by adding slowly to 5% alcoholicKOH. Solutions in small amount may be disposedof in porous sandy soils.