Information and List of Peroxide Formers

Peroxides are very unstable and some chemicals that can form them are commonly used in laboratories. This makes peroxide-forming materials some of the most hazardous substances found in a lab. Peroxide-forming materials are chemicals that react with air, moisture, or impurities to form peroxides. The tendency to form peroxides by most of these materials is greatly increased by evaporation or distillation. Organic peroxides are extremely sensitive to shock, sparks, heat, friction, impact, and light. Many peroxides formed from materials used in laboratories are more shock sensitive than TNT. Just the friction from unscrewing the cap of a container of an ether that has peroxides in it can provide enough energy to cause a severe explosion.

Use and Storage of Peroxide-Formers

• Do not open the chemical container if peroxide formation is suspected. The act of opening the container could be sufficient to cause a severe explosion. Visually inspect liquid peroxide-forming materials for crystals or unusual viscosity before opening. Pay special attention to the area around the cap. Peroxides usually form upon evaporation, so they will most likely be formed on the threads under the cap.
• Date all peroxide forming materials with the date received, and the expected shelf life. Chemicals such as diisopropyl ether, divinyl acetylene, sodium amide, and vinylidene chloride should be discarded after three months
• Store all peroxide-forming materials away from heat, sunlight, and sources of ignition. Sunlight accelerates the formation of peroxides.
• Secure the lids and caps on these containers to discourage the evaporation and concentration of these chemicals.
• Never store peroxide-forming materials in glass containers with screw cap lids or glass stoppers. Friction and grinding must be avoided. Also, never store these chemicals in a clear glass bottle where they would be exposed to light.
• Contamination of an ether by peroxides or hydroperoxides can be detected simply by mixing the ether with 10% (wt/wt) aqueous potassium iodide solution -a yellow color change due to the oxidation of iodide to iodine confirms the presence of peroxides. Small amounts of peroxides can be removed from contaminated ethers via distillation from lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH-4-), which both reduces the peroxide and removes contaminating water and alcohols. If you notice crystal formation in the container or around the cap, do not attempt to open or move the container.  Contact your campus Environmental Health and Safety office for proper disposal.
• Never distill an ether unless it is known to be free of peroxides.