Diacetyl peroxide is the
organic peroxide
In organic chemistry, organic peroxides are organic compounds containing the peroxide functional group (). If the R′ is hydrogen, the compounds are called hydroperoxides, which are discussed in that article. The O−O bond of peroxides easily b ...
with the formula (CH
3CO
2)
2. It is a white solid or oily liquid with a sharp odor.
[ As with a number of ]organic peroxide
In organic chemistry, organic peroxides are organic compounds containing the peroxide functional group (). If the R′ is hydrogen, the compounds are called hydroperoxides, which are discussed in that article. The O−O bond of peroxides easily b ...
s, it is explosive. It is often used as a solution, e.g., in dimethyl phthalate.[
]
History
Diacetyl peroxide was discovered in 1858 by Benjamin Collins Brodie Benjamin Collins Brodie may refer to:
*Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, 1st Baronet (1783–1862), English physiologist and surgeon
*Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, 2nd Baronet
Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, 2nd Baronet FRS (5 February 181724 Novembe ...
, who obtained the compound by treating glacial acetic acid with barium peroxide in anhydrous diethyl ether.
Preparation
Diacetyl peroxide forms upon combining hydrogen peroxide and excess acetic anhydride
Acetic anhydride, or ethanoic anhydride, is the chemical compound with the formula (CH3CO)2O. Commonly abbreviated Ac2O, it is the simplest isolable anhydride of a carboxylic acid and is widely used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It is a col ...
. Peracetic acid is an intermediate.
Safety
Consisting of both an oxidizer, the O-O bond and reducing agents, the C-C and C-H bonds, diacetyl peroxide is shock sensitive and explosive.[
The threshold quantity for Process Safety Management per Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.119 is if the concentration of the diacetyl peroxide solution is greater than 70%.
There have been reports of detonation of the pure material. The 25% solution also has explosive potential. The crystalline peroxide is especially shock sensitive and a high explosion risk.][
]
Safety
Organic peroxides are all prone to exothermic decomposition, potentially leading to explosions and fire.
References
*
*{{cite web, url=http://www.bge.de/asp2/dms.asp?url=/uvv/58/anh2.htm, title=Zuordnung der Organischen Peroxide zu Gefahrgruppen nach § 3 Abs. 1, language=German, website=Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warendistribution
Organic peroxides
Explosive chemicals
Liquid explosives
Organic peroxide explosives
Carbonyl compounds