Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide

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Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
2-Hydroperoxy-2-(2-hydroperoxybutan-2-ylperoxy)butane
Systematic IUPAC name
2-[(2-Hydroperoxybutan-2-yl)peroxy]butane-2-peroxol
Other names
2-Butanone peroxide
Ketonox
Mepox
Thermacure
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images Image
Properties
C8H18O6
Molar mass 210.23 g/mol
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor Acetone-like[1], mint-like[2]
Density 1.170 g/cm3 (at 20 °C)
Melting point −30 °C (−22 °F; 243 K) [3]
Boiling point 70 °C (158 °F; 343 K) (decomposes above 80 °C)
Slightly soluble
Solubility Miscible with acetone, ethanol
Vapor pressure <0.01 mm Hg at 20 °C
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich (≤ 50%)
Flash point 75 °C (167 °F; 348 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Acetone peroxide
Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide or MEKP is colorless liquid chemical compound, used mainly as a catalyst in various plastic materials. However, it is also an explosive material, and due to its use in terrorist bombing, it has gained a bad reputation, mainly because it's easy to manufacture from OTC products and somewhat difficult to properly detect.

Properties

Chemical

MEKP can be used as a catalyst in various polyester resins.

Physical

MEKP is an oily colorless liquid, with a faint acetone-like smell (some sources say mint), slightly soluble in water, but miscible with various organic solvents.

Explosive

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is a primary explosive, sensitive to shock and friction, though less so than TATP, with a detonation velocity of 5200 m/s.

Availability

MEKP is only available commercially in solution as polymer catalyst. Most solutions consist of 55-60% dimethyl phtalate, 30-35 methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and <5% hydrogen peroxide.[4] However, extracting it from the commercial solution may not worth the effort.

Preparation

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide can be made by reacting methyl ethyl ketone with hydrogen peroxide under controlled conditions.

Projects

  • Crosslink polymer catalyst
  • Make blasting caps

Handling

Safety

MEKP is a strong irritant and harmful if ingested.

It is also a sensitive explosive.

Storage

Diluted solutions should be stored in closed bottles, away from light.

While more stable than other organic peroxides, concentrated MEKP should not be stored for long periods of time.

A SM user has discovered that MEKP can be stored at low and constant temperatures (like underground) without decomposition for at least 13 years.[5][6]

Disposal

MEKP can be neutralized with a reducing agent, such as sodium sulfite. If no more peroxides are present in the neutralization product, it can be safely burned or disposed properly.

References

  1. ↑ Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA4 (85) 476
  2. ↑ layton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994., p. 562
  3. ↑ http://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Methyl_ethyl_ketone_peroxide
  4. ↑ http://www.anachemia.com/msds/english/5983.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=20&page=14#pid436596
  6. ↑ http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=10102#pid491902

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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