Peroxide Forming Chemicals
Classes of Chemicals That Can Form Peroxides Upon Aging
Class I
Unsaturated materials, especially those of low molecular weight, may polymerize violently and hazardously due to peroxide initiation.
Acrylic acid
Acrylonitrile
Butadiene
Chlorobutadiene (chloroprene)
Chlorotrifluoroethylene
Methyl methacrylate
Styrene Tetrafluoroethylene
Vinyl acetate
Vinyl acetylene
Vinyl chloride
Vinyl pyridine
Vinylidene chloride
Class II
The following chemicals are a peroxide hazard upon concentration (distillation/ evaporation). A test for peroxide should be performed if concentration is intended or suspected.
Acetal
Cumene
Cyclohexene
Cyclooctene
Cyclopentene
Diacetylene
Dicyclopentadiene
Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme)
Diethyl ether (ether)
Vinyl ethers Dioxane (r-dioxane)
Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (glyme)
Furan
Methyl acetylene
Methyl cyclopentane
Methyl-i-butyl ketone
Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydronaphthalene
Class III
Peroxides derived from the following compounds may explode without concentration.
Organic
Divinyl ether
Divinyl acetylene
Isopropyl ether
Inorganic
Vinylidene chloride
Potassium metal
Potassium amide
Sodium amide (sodamide)
NOTE: Lists are illustrative but not exhaustive.
Source: Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
Physical Facilities
