CAS 75 - 91 - 2 corresponds to tert - Butyl hydroperoxide, a highly useful organic peroxide widely employed in various industrial and chemical processes. As a reliable supplier of CAS 75 - 91 - 2, I am well - versed in its properties, applications, and most importantly, the distillation conditions required for this chemical.
Physical and Chemical Properties of tert - Butyl Hydroperoxide
Tert - butyl hydroperoxide is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. It has a molecular formula of C₄H₁₀O₂ and a molecular weight of 90.12 g/mol. This compound is highly reactive due to the presence of the peroxide group (-O - O -), which makes it a powerful oxidizing agent. It is soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons but is also slightly soluble in water.
Importance of Distillation for tert - Butyl Hydroperoxide
Distillation is a crucial purification process for tert - butyl hydroperoxide. In the production of this chemical, impurities such as unreacted starting materials, by - products, and solvents may be present. Distillation helps to separate these impurities from the desired product, resulting in a higher - purity tert - butyl hydroperoxide. High - purity tert - butyl hydroperoxide is essential for many applications, especially in the fields of polymer synthesis, where even small amounts of impurities can affect the quality and properties of the final polymer product.
Distillation Conditions
Temperature
The boiling point of tert - butyl hydroperoxide is around 89 - 90 °C at 760 mmHg. However, due to its high reactivity and potential for decomposition at elevated temperatures, distillation should be carried out under reduced pressure. A typical pressure range for the distillation of tert - butyl hydroperoxide is between 10 - 50 mmHg. At a pressure of 20 mmHg, the boiling point of tert - butyl hydroperoxide is approximately 30 - 35 °C. This lower distillation temperature helps to minimize the risk of decomposition, which can lead to the formation of explosive by - products such as oxygen and organic radicals.
Heating Rate
A slow and controlled heating rate is crucial during the distillation of tert - butyl hydroperoxide. A rapid increase in temperature can cause a sudden decomposition of the peroxide, leading to an explosion. A heating rate of 1 - 2 °C per minute is generally recommended. This allows for a gradual increase in temperature, ensuring that the distillation process proceeds smoothly and safely.
Condenser Temperature
The condenser temperature should be maintained at a low level to ensure efficient condensation of the vaporized tert - butyl hydroperoxide. A temperature of around 0 - 5 °C is typically used. This low temperature helps to prevent the loss of the product due to incomplete condensation and also reduces the risk of the product re - vaporizing in the condenser.
Equipment
The distillation equipment used for tert - butyl hydroperoxide should be made of materials that are resistant to oxidation and corrosion. Glassware is commonly used for laboratory - scale distillation, while stainless steel or other corrosion - resistant metals are used for industrial - scale distillation. The equipment should also be designed to prevent the accumulation of static electricity, which can trigger the decomposition of the peroxide. Grounding the equipment and using anti - static materials are common safety measures.
Safety Precautions during Distillation
Tert - butyl hydroperoxide is a highly hazardous chemical. It is explosive, flammable, and a strong oxidizing agent. Therefore, strict safety precautions must be taken during the distillation process.
- Ventilation: The distillation should be carried out in a well - ventilated area, preferably in a fume hood. This helps to prevent the accumulation of potentially explosive vapors.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators should wear appropriate PPE, including safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat. In some cases, a face shield and a respirator may also be required.
- Emergency Equipment: Fire extinguishers, spill kits, and emergency showers should be readily available in the distillation area. In case of a fire or spill, immediate action can be taken to prevent further damage.
Applications of tert - Butyl Hydroperoxide
Tert - butyl hydroperoxide has a wide range of applications in the chemical industry.


- Polymerization: It is used as an initiator in the polymerization of various monomers, such as styrene, acrylonitrile, and butadiene. The peroxide group in tert - butyl hydroperoxide can generate free radicals, which initiate the polymerization reaction.
- Oxidation Reactions: It is a powerful oxidizing agent and is used in the oxidation of various organic compounds. For example, it can be used to oxidize alcohols to aldehydes or ketones.
- Epoxidation: Tert - butyl hydroperoxide is also used in the epoxidation of alkenes, which is an important reaction in the synthesis of epoxy resins and other epoxide - containing compounds.
Related Products
If you are interested in other organic peroxides, we also supply several related products, such as CH | CAS 3006 - 86 - 8 | 1,1 - Di(tert - butylperoxy)cyclohexane, TMCH | CAS 6731 - 36 - 8 | 1,1 - Di-(tert - butylperoxy)-3,3,5 - trimethylcyclohexane, and DTBP | CAS 110 - 05 - 4 | Di - tert - butyl Peroxide. These products also have important applications in the fields of polymerization and oxidation.
Contact for Purchase and Negotiation
If you are in need of high - quality tert - butyl hydroperoxide or any of our other organic peroxide products, we welcome you to contact us for purchase and negotiation. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with detailed product information, technical support, and competitive pricing. We are committed to meeting your specific requirements and ensuring your satisfaction with our products and services.
References
- "Handbook of Organic Peroxides", by Jacob B. Levy.
- "Organic Chemistry" textbooks, various editions, which provide general knowledge on the properties and reactions of organic peroxides.




