Peroxide former

Peroxide Formers Peroxide formers will react with the oxygen in the atmosphere to form unstable peroxides, which in turn might explosively decompose if concentrated. Peroxide formation, or peroxidation, usually happens slowly over time, when a peroxide-forming liquid is stored with limited access to air. 

Substances that are peroxide formers will often have an inhibitor or stabilizer added to prevent peroxidation. They are often not easily identifiable as peroxide formers by using MSDSs or ICSCs. Rather, they are frequently identified by another characteristic, such as flammability, for storage and shipping purposes. Examples of peroxide formers include 1,3-butadiene, 1,1-dichloroethylene, isopropyl ether, and alkali metals. Johnson et al. (2003) tabulate other chemical structures susceptible to peroxide formation. 

The total exclusion of air from vessels and equipment containing peroxide formers, and the establishment and observing of strict shelf life limitations, are basic strategies for managing peroxide-forming hazards. 

The answers to Questions 7 through 11 will likely determine whether chemical reactivity hazards are present. For example, a jar of liquid ether that is a peroxide former may be brought to the facility for incineration. If it had been stored a long time and the contents had been exposed to air, unstable peroxides may be present that could explode when handled or fed to the incinerator. The information in Section 3.3 may be helpful in identifying whether any reactive chemicals are present. 

Passive controls, process controls, 97-98 Paterson, New Jersey incident, 160-161 Peroxide formers, screening methods, 46-48 Physical processing chemical reactivity hazard, 8-10,11 screening methods, 36, 41—42 worked examples, 128,129 Polymerizing compounds, screening methods, 55... 

PEROXIDE FORMER Has the tendency to slowly react with oxygen, such as from being exposed to air, to form unstable organic peroxides 1,3-Butadiene, isopropyl ether... 

The argument in an addendum to reference 1 above which claims that primary alcohols should also be classed as peroxidisable [6] is flawed. Among the primary alcohols listed as peroxide formers, the structures of those which formed significant levels of peroxide in storage all possessed tertiary H atoms susceptible to... 

Unstable chemicals such as peroxide-formers must always be labeled with date received, date opened, and disposal/expiration date. 

Poison, strong irritant to skin and eyes Flammable, peroxide former... 

Water reactive, peroxide former (orange fog/crystals)... 

Chemicals should be removed when the expiration date is exceeded, especially in the case of peroxide formers. 

Many high-risk peroxide-formers were used in high school chemistry in the past. In general, the risks of using the following materials is now thought to exceed their educational utility ... 

Consider purchasing peroxide formers with inhibitors if possible. 

Unstable/Reactive Chemical a chemical that in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, become self-reactive, or otherwise undergo a violent chemical change under conditions of shock, pressure or temperature. Such chemicals may also be identified as Type I items (see definition). Examples include explosives, reactive monomers, and peroxide formers that produce unstable highly friction-sensitive or shock-sensitive peroxides, etc.. 

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