Chemical Properties
Colorless liquid.
Insoluble in water and ethylene glycol; soluble in
most organic solvents.
Uses
t-Butyl peroxypivalate is used as a polymerizationinitiator to make acrylic polymers.
Uses
Polymerization initiator.
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.
LD
50 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.
