tert-Butyl Peroxyacetate: Characteristics, Properties, and Uses
What is tert-Butyl Peroxyacetate?
tert-Butyl peroxyacetate, known in chemical circles for its formula C6H12O3, stands out among organic peroxides due to its mix of industrial usefulness and chemical reactivity. In its basic form, this compound often shows up as a clear to pale yellow liquid, though variations in manufacturing can yield slightly different appearances. The molecular structure centers on a tertiary butyl group attached via a peroxy linkage to an acetate function; this detail gives it more stability than many other peroxides, but carelessness still invites danger. Trade and customs codes worldwide refer to tert-butyl peroxyacetate with the HS Code 2915.90, grouping it with esters and their derivatives.
Physical and Chemical Properties
People who handle organic chemicals recognize the importance of knowing every property on the safety data sheet. tert-Butyl peroxyacetate holds a molecular weight of 132.16 g/mol and a density often cited between 0.91 and 0.93 g/cm3 at room temperature. It carries a melting point below ambient conditions, typically clocking in near -30°C, making it almost always a liquid during use and storage. As for solubility, water doesn't mix with this one, but it takes well to common organic solvents like acetone and ether. Boiling points rarely come into play due to the risk of decomposition under heat, which punches in just above 100°C. In practical work, this means heating is out of the question if safety is a concern.
Forms and Texture
Most buyers look for tert-butyl peroxyacetate as a liquid, packed tightly in drums or specialty containers lined to resist its mildly corrosive tendencies. While some peroxides settle into crystals or powders, this one keeps its fluid nature across a wide range of common temperatures. Chips, pearls, or flakes don’t crop up here; the molecule maintains its identity best in liquid solution. Anyone opening a container can expect a scent reminiscent of esters—sharp but not overbearing—reminding the nose of its chemical backbone. Visually, it stays clear if pure, though slight yellowing can hint at age or contamination.
Specifications and Quality Considerations
Industry buyers push for purity, usually measured at or above 97% active compound. Any lower, and performance can slip, especially in polymerization reactions. Most supply chains demand certificates listing acidity, peroxyacetate content, and minimal water or other volatile materials. In practice, any water content brings separate hazards due to peroxide stability. Containers must keep product dry and away from direct sunlight or heat. Density specs—nearing 0.92 g/cm3—help identify adulteration, and even minor drops in purity can lead to costly process upsets or inconsistent outputs for customers.
Chemical Structure and Reactivity
Breaking down the structure, the peroxy linkage (O–O) acts as the reactive heart, easily homolytically cleaving under heat or through catalysts. This property makes tert-butyl peroxyacetate valuable in radical polymerizations and as a curing agent in plastics and resins. Its backbone, featuring both the peroxyacetate group and a tert-butyl moiety, brings a delicate balance between reactivity and manageability. Chemists appreciate how this molecular design allows precise control over decomposition rates, which matters during production runs or bench-scale experiments. Handling it calls for real respect; chemical burns, fire risks, and even explosions can result from mishandling or mixing with incompatible materials.
Hazard and Safety Profile
tert-Butyl peroxyacetate delivers impressive results in the right hands but poses risk to the unwary. It goes on the list as a hazardous material under GHS, flagged for harmful effects through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Employers fit work sites with eye-wash stations, chemical-resistant gloves, plus antistatic containers because the peroxide function doesn't forgive mistakes. It stores best between 2°C and 8°C, isolated from acids, bases, and organic material that might catalyze careless reactions. Some remember how even small spills can quickly escalate; containment means proper floor drainage and quick-acting neutralizers. My own time in chemical labs drove home this reality—always keep a healthy respect for peroxide chemistry, ignore complacency, and double-check every seal and label. Fire departments require clear signage, and insurance carriers look for special risk assessments before giving the green light for storage or use.
Common Applications and Raw Material Insights
tert-Butyl peroxyacetate shows up as a key raw material in several sectors, notably plastics and rubber. Manufacturers prefer it as an initiator for polymerization, encouraging chain reactions that build everything from high-density polyethylene pipes to weather-resistant coatings. In the composites industry, it plays a central role as a crosslinking agent, bonding and hardening resins used in boats, wind turbine blades, and electronic housings. This chemical also finds use in specialty adhesives, where controlled radical action locks together stubborn joints in automotive or aerospace components. Supply chains for tert-butyl peroxyacetate usually start from tert-butanol and hydrogen peroxide, linking to global networks for alcohols and oxidizing agents. Price swings on these inputs ripple through to end-users, challenging planners to lock in contracts ahead of market shifts.
Managing Risks and Charting a Safer Path Forward
Dealing with tert-butyl peroxyacetate draws out the practical lessons every professional learns after years in the field: never skip the safety training, double-glove for transfers, and store the product under controls that exceed the minimum regulation. Labeling must stay sharp, with batch numbers and any impurity levels tracked from dock to reactor. Regulatory paperwork, from safety data sheets to transport documentation, consumes time but shields companies from legal nightmares in the event of a mishap. Regular audits, employee drills, and clear reporting lines provide insurance against the slip-ups that can happen in any fast-paced operation. For plant managers facing periodic inspections, the pressure never lets up. Investment in fire suppression, ventilation, and spill response kits saves more than money—it protects livelihoods, reputations, and community trust.
Summary Table
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 132.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
| Density | 0.91–0.93 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | ~ -30°C |
| Boiling Point | > 100°C (decomposes) |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in organics |
| HS Code | 2915.90 |
| Hazard Class | Organic peroxide, hazardous |
| Storage Temp | 2°C–8°C |
| Main Use | Polymerization initiator, curing agent |
