www jst umn edu Peroxide Forming Chemicals Diethyl

www. jst. umn. edu Peroxide Forming Chemicals Diethyl ether Isopropyl alcohol THF

Ether Safety overview • Ether can form peroxides when exposed to air • Peroxides are shock-sensitive explosion hazards To minimize risks: • Purchase what will be used within the month • Purchase Ethyl Ether that contains peroxide inhibitors such as BHT or ethanol • Store away from heat and light • Test for peroxide formation monthly after expiration Less than 80 ppm peroxides 80 ppm to 400 ppm Greater than 400 ppm Solution is okay to use Call the Chemical Waste Program for packaging and removal Call the Chemical Waste Program, who will contact the Bomb Squad 2

Peroxide Forming Chemicals • Many solvents can form shock -sensitive peroxides over time – Diethyl ether – Isopropyl alcohol – THF Explosion was partially contained in water bath, residue visible on rotovap glassware • Friction, shock, or concentration cause an explosion – Graduate student at UC-Irvine sustained cuts from exploding glassware while concentrating diethyl ether “Lesson Learned” from University of California Irvine 2006 <http: //www. ehs. uci. edu/salerts/Lesson%20 Learned_Peroxide. pdf> 3

Peroxide Forming Chemicals Ordering and Storage • Only order the amount needed for one month • Label when first received and when first opened • Store away from light, ignition sources, and oxidizers • Test for peroxides every month after listed expiration date has passed Department of Environmental Health and Safety Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guidebook, Section 5 “Waste Requiring Special Processing” <http: //www. dehs. umn. edu/hazwaste_chemwaste_umn_cwmgbk_sec 5. htm#pfc> 4

Peroxide Forming Chemicals Testing for Peroxides • Call DEHS if – Crystals are present in or around the container – Container has a metal screw cap – Container has been stored for more than two years • If the above are not present, test with peroxide test strips – Less than 80 ppm is okay – Greater than 80 ppm, call DEHS for disposal http: //www. conncoll. edu/offices/ehs/peroxide-forming-chemicals. htm http: //www. rhr-inc. com/bigcrys. htm 5