tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is an organic peroxide commonly supplied as a solution and used as a radical initiator and oxidizing agent in polymerization and chemical synthesis.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is widely used to initiate free-radical reactions in resins, elastomers, and specialty polymer processes, and tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is also used as an oxidant in epoxidation and other organic transformations.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is a strong oxidizer and can decompose violently under heat, contamination, or improper handling, so tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide must be stored, transferred, and used under strict safety controls and only by trained personnel.
CAS Number: 75-91-2
EC Number: 200-915-7
Molecular Formula: C4H10O2
Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol
Synonyms: tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide, Tert-butyl hydroperoxide, TBHP, t-Butyl Hydroperoxide, tert-Butyl Peroxide Hydroperoxide, 2-Methyl-2-propyl hydroperoxide (common naming), TBHPO, tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Solution, Organic Hydroperoxide Initiator, tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Oxidant, TBHP Initiator, TBHP Oxidizing Agent, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide, TERT-BUTYL HYDROPEROXIDE, Tert-butyl hydroperoxide, t-Butyl hydroperoxide, t-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), TBHP, TBHPO, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Solution, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide solution, TBHP solution, TBHP in water, TBHP aqueous solution, TBHP in decane, TBHP in nonane, TBHP in isododecane (use context), TBHP 70% in water (common), TBHP 80% in water (common), TBHP 90% in water (common), TBHP 5.5M in decane (common lab supply), TBHP 6.0M in decane (common lab supply), Organic peroxide (TBHP), tert-Butyl peroxide precursor (use context), tert-Butyl hydroperoxide initiator, TBHP initiator, TBHP polymerization initiator (use context), Radical initiator (TBHP), Oxidizing agent (TBHP), Organic hydroperoxide, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide oxidant, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide reagent, TBHP reagent, TBHP oxidant, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide for synthesis, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide for epoxidation (use context), tert-Butyl hydroperoxide for oxidation (use context), tert-Butyl hydroperoxide technical grade, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide industrial grade, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide reagent grade, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide analytical grade, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide high purity
APPLICATIONS
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used as a free-radical initiator in polymerization processes to start controlled chain reactions.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into emulsion polymerization systems to initiate acrylic and styrene-acrylic latex formation in compatible processes.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in redox initiation systems where tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide reacts with a reducing agent to generate radicals at lower temperatures.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in graft polymerization to functionalize polymers and improve compatibility between phases.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into elastomer modification processes to create improved mechanical properties.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in polymer crosslinking reactions to support controlled network formation in compatible systems.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in curing of unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins in selected systems where hydroperoxide initiation is specified.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into composite resin systems to support curing and gel time control in compatible formulations.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in fiberglass and reinforced plastic processing when process conditions and catalyst systems are designed for TBHP use.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in chemical synthesis as an oxidant for epoxidation of alkenes in compatible catalytic systems.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into oxidation reactions for conversion of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in oxidative coupling reactions to build carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds in controlled synthesis routes.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in fine chemical manufacturing where selective oxidation is required under carefully controlled conditions.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis where oxidation steps require a strong but manageable oxidant.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in specialty reagent applications as a peroxide source for laboratory-scale transformations.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds in some catalytic systems where TBHP is an oxygen donor.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into oxidative dehydrogenation processes in compatible chemistries.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in aromatic hydroxylation and functionalization reactions under controlled catalyst selection.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in polymer manufacturing to control molecular weight through initiation rate and process temperature.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into staged addition strategies to maintain steady radical flux and reduce runaway risk.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in pilot plant trials to screen initiator efficiency and product property outcomes.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in research laboratories as a standard organic oxidant in organic chemistry and catalysis studies.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is incorporated into reaction screening for oxidation and radical processes.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is valued because tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide provides effective radical initiation and oxidation capability, but only when strict safety procedures are followed.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used as an organic peroxide initiator in free-radical polymerization.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used to initiate acrylic, vinyl, and styrenic polymerization in selected processes.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide helps control polymer molecular weight and conversion when paired with suitable co-initiators.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used as an initiator in emulsion polymerization for latex production.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide supports formation of acrylic and styrene-acrylic latex binders for coatings.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide helps enable lower-temperature initiation in redox initiation systems.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in redox initiator pairs with reducing agents to generate radicals efficiently.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide supports polymerization at moderate temperatures in water-based systems.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide helps improve process control in polymerization reactors.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in polymer grafting reactions to introduce functional groups onto polymers.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide supports grafting of maleic anhydride or other monomers onto polyolefins in some technologies.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide helps generate reactive sites on polymer backbones for compatibilizer production.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in crosslinking processes for elastomers and specialty polymers in some systems.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide supports controlled radical formation for network creation.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide helps improve heat resistance and mechanical integrity when crosslinking is desired.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is used in manufacturing of polymer resins for coatings, adhesives, and binders.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide supports consistent polymerization rates and targeted solids development.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide helps reduce residual monomer by driving conversion under controlled conditions.
DESCRIPTION
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is an organic hydroperoxide that can generate free radicals upon decomposition, and this property makes tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide useful for polymerization initiation and redox systems.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is commonly supplied as solutions in water or organic solvents, and concentration strongly affects hazard level and handling requirements.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is a strong oxidizer, and tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide can react violently with reducing agents, metals, acids, bases, and many organic materials if contaminated or improperly mixed.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide decomposition can be accelerated by heat, light, impurities, and certain catalysts, and uncontrolled decomposition can lead to fire, pressure buildup, and explosion hazards.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide should be handled with dedicated equipment, contamination control, and temperature management, and tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide should never be heated in closed systems without engineered safety protections.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide should be stored in original vented containers where applicable, kept away from incompatible materials, and protected from shock, friction, and ignition sources.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide should be stored at recommended temperatures specified by the supplier, and refrigerated storage may be required depending on concentration and local climate.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide spills require specialized response procedures, and incompatible absorbents and combustible materials should be avoided.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide must be used only by trained personnel following local regulations and site safety procedures for organic peroxides.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is an organic peroxide commonly abbreviated as TBHP.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is typically supplied as a solution in water or organic solvent depending on grade.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is a clear to pale liquid with strong oxidizing properties.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide contains a hydroperoxide functional group that can decompose to generate radicals.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is therefore widely used as an initiator and an oxidant in industrial chemistry.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide reactivity depends on concentration, temperature, impurities, and catalytic surfaces.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide is a strong oxidizer and can react vigorously with incompatible materials.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide can present fire and explosion hazards if mishandled or contaminated.
tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide requires strict controls to prevent uncontrolled decomposition.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol
Common Name: tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide (TBHP)
Chemical Type: Organic peroxide (hydroperoxide), oxidizing agent, radical initiator
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid (as supplied; solution dependent)
Odor: Characteristic pungent odor (solution dependent)
Solubility: Water-soluble or partially miscible depending on supplied form; soluble in many organic solvents (grade dependent)
Active Oxygen: High oxidizing potential (concentration dependent)
Thermal Stability: Decomposes exothermically; stability depends on concentration, impurities, and storage conditions
Reactivity: Strong oxidizer; reacts with reducing agents and incompatible organics
Hazard Class: Organic peroxide / oxidizer (classification depends on concentration)
Storage Temperature: Supplier-specific; commonly cool storage required; protect from heat and sunlight
Shelf Life: Typically 3–12 months depending on concentration and storage (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if vapors or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention promptly if coughing, breathing difficulty, or irritation occurs.
Monitor for delayed respiratory effects after significant exposure.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Do not use solvents to clean skin.
Seek medical attention if irritation, pain, or burns occur.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because organic peroxides can cause serious eye injury.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider oxidizer exposure and potential corrosive or irritant effects depending on formulation solvent.
Monitor for respiratory irritation and provide supportive care.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including face shield or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing.
Avoid contamination and use dedicated, clean equipment, because small impurities can trigger decomposition.
Do not smoke, weld, or use ignition sources near tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide, and avoid friction, impact, and heat.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust ventilation in mixing and transfer areas.
Avoid aerosol formation and use closed transfer systems where possible.
Ensure emergency ventilation and gas detection where required by site safety design.
Storage:
Store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep away from reducing agents, acids, bases, heavy metals, amines, accelerators, and combustible materials.
Do not store in large, tightly sealed containers without pressure relief if peroxide decomposition could generate gas.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Evacuate and isolate area and eliminate ignition sources.
Use only approved absorbents and non-combustible inert materials, and do not use sawdust or other organic absorbents.
Collect waste into suitable vented containers for disposal according to hazardous waste procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Follow supplier SDS and site organic peroxide procedures for maximum safe temperature, incompatibilities, and emergency response.
Use temperature control, staged dosing, and engineered safeguards to prevent runaway reactions in polymerization and oxidation processes.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and track storage temperature history to avoid aging beyond safe shelf life.