Di-tert-butyl peroxide

Di-tert-butyl peroxide
Ball-and-stick model
Identifiers
110-05-4 Yes
ChemSpider 7742 Yes
Jmol-3D images Image
PubChem 8033
Properties
Molecular formula
 C8H18O2
Molar mass 146.23 g·mol−1
Density 0.796 g/cm³
Melting point −40 °C (−40 °F; 233 K)
Boiling point 109 °C (228 °F; 382 K)
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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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

External links