ZerZ-Butyl hydroperoxide

Di-ZerZ-butyl peroxide (tert-butyl peroxide) [ 110-05-4J M 146.2, d 0.794, n 1.3889. Washed with aqueous AgNO3 to remove olefinic impurities, water and dried (MgSO4). Freed from rerr-butyl hydroperoxide by passage through an alumina column [Jackson et al. JACS 107 208 7955], and if necessary two high vacuum distns from room temp to a liquid-air trap [Offenbach and Tobolsky JACS 79 278 1957]. The necessary protection from EXPLOSION should be used. 

Though relatively stable,explosions have been caused by distillation to dryness [1], or attempted distillation at ambient pressiue [2]. In a comprehensive review of the use of the hydroperoxide as a selective metal-catalysed oxygenator for alkenes and alkynes, attention is drawn to several potential hazards in this application. One specific hazard to be avoided stems from the fact that Lucidol TBHP-70 contains 19% of di-ZerZ-butyl peroxide which will survive the catalysed reaction and may lead to problems in the work-up and distillation [3]. A thorough investigation of the stability and explosive properties of the 70% solution in water has been carried out [4]. The anhydrous peroxide as a solution in toluene may now readily be prepared azeotropically, and the solutions are stable in storage at ambient temperature. This solution is now a preferred method for using the anhydrous hydroperoxide [5]. 

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