Di-tert-butyl peroxide

Di-tert-butyl peroxide
Identifiers
CAS number 110-05-4 Y
PubChem 8033
ChemSpider 7742 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C8H18O2
Molar mass 146.23 g/mol
Density 0.8 g/cm³
Boiling point

109−110 °C
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Di-tert-butyl peroxide or DTBP is an organic compound consisting of a peroxide group flanked by two tert-butyl groups. It is amongst the most stable organic peroxides. The peroxide bond undergoes homolysis at temperatures >100 °C, and for this reason di-tert-butyl peroxide is commonly used as a radical initiator in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry.

This compound will decompose aerobically and also anaerobically, making it a very interesting fuel source.

Decomposition reaction:

(CH3)3COOC(CH3)3 (g) → C2H6 (g) + 2 (CH3)2CO (g)

Two Canadian scientists, H. O. Pritchard and P. Q. E. Clothier, have demonstrated and suggested the use of DTBP in engines where oxygen is limited, since it will work whether or not oxygen is present.[1]

References

  1. ^ H. O. Pritchard and P. Q. E. Clothier (1986), "Anaerobic operation of an internal combustion engine", J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1986 (20): 1529–1530, doi:10.1039/C39860001529