PeroxideFormingChemicals

Volume 3 / Issue 4

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE The Dartmouth College laboratory safety newsletter

ContactEHSforspecificques4ons,646-1762ore-mailehs@dartmouth.edu

A significant number of laboratory solvents can undergo autoxidation under normal storage conditions to form unstable and potentially dangerous peroxide by-products. This process is catalyzed by light and heat and occurs when susceptible materials are exposed to atmospheric oxygen. Molecular structure is the primary factor relating to a material’s potential for hazardous peroxide formation.

General Handling Considerations for Peroxidizable Solvents: q  Checkperoxide-formingsolventsforperoxidespriortodis<lla<onorevapora<onq  SolventscontaininganinhibitorsuchasBHTshouldbeusedwhenthepresenceofthe

stabilizingspeciesdoesnotinterferewithintendedapplica<onq  Uninhibitedmaterialsshouldbestoredwithcareandfrequentlycheckedforperoxide

forma<onq  Purchaseinlimitedquan<<esandoldermaterialshouldbeusedfirstq  Storeawayfromlightandheatwith<ghtlysecuredcapsandlabeledwithdatesof

receiptandopeningq  Periodictes<ngtodetectperoxidesshouldbeperformedandrecorded

EHSStaffMaureen, Michael, Katrina, Sandy, Ryan, Jeff, Caitlyn, Molly, Jason !

Additional information on peroxide formers: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ehs/essential-info/hazard_peroxide.html

EHS main page: hJp://www.dartmouth.edu/~ehs/

Peroxide Detection 1.  PeroxideTest

Strips2.  Potassium

IodideIndicator

Interpreting the test results o  100 ppm is widely used

as a control point. However, if peroxides are detected at more than 25 ppm, contact EHS.

o  Disposal is recommended if peroxides are detected and the material will not be used immediately.

EHS has peroxide former labels for identifying materials and tracking peroxide testing…