tert-Butyl peroxypivalate

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid. Insoluble in water and ethylene glycol; soluble in most organic solvents.

The Uses of tert-Butyl peroxypivalate

Polymerization initiator.

The Uses of tert-Butyl peroxypivalate

t-Butyl peroxypivalate is used as a polymerizationinitiator to make acrylic polymers.

General Description

Colorless liquid that solidifies below -19°C Decomposes at 70°C. Flammable and a dangerous fire risk. Heating may cause explosion. Used as a polymerization initiator.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

tert-Butyl peroxypivalate explodes with great violence when rapidly heated to a critical temperature. Shock sensitive and detonable when pure [Bretherick 1979 p. 602].

Hazard

(Solution) Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Oxidizing agent. May explode on heating.

Health Hazard

t-Butyl peroxypivalate is a mild irritant to theeyes and skin with low toxicity.
LD₅₀ value, oral (rats): 4300 mg/kg.

Fire Hazard

The pure compound is dangerously shock sensitive. It is sold commercially up to 75% maximum concentration in mineral spirits. This solution is reactive, oxidizing, and combustible; flash point (open cup) 68°C (154°F). Its burning is vigorous, which is difficult to extinguish (NFPA 1997). It is sensitive to shock and heat; self-accelerating decomposition temperature 29°C (84°F); decomposition of the 75% concentrated solution may be explosive when heated. It may form flammable decomposition products, which can enhance the fire hazard. It may ignite and/or explode in contact with accelerators, acids, and combustible and readily oxidizable substances.
Fight fires from a safe and explosionresistant location. Use water from a sprinkler or a fog nozzle. Since it decomposes little above room temperature, giving off flammable volatile products, care should be taken for proper venting and to keep the containers and vicinity cool.

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by ingestion. Moderately flammable by heat, flame (sparks), oxidizers. Can explode on heating. To fight fire, use water, fog, mist, alcohol foam, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. See also PEROXIDES, ORGANIC

storage

t-Butyl peroxypivalate is stored in a deepfreezebox with a free-opening cover at 18to -1°C (0-30°F) in a well-ventilated andunheated area, isolated from other chemicals.It is shipped in 5-gallon polyethylene containerswith vented caps and outer fiberboardcovering, maintained at -18 to -1°C (-0.4to 30.2°F).

Waste Disposal

Absorb the spilled material with vermiculiteor other noncombustible material.Then sweep up and place in a plastic containerfor disposal. It is burned in a shallowpit in a remote area by igniting with a longtorch.