Organic peroxides can be used for chemical synthesis because of their easy decomposition. When doing so, they generate useful free radicals that can initiate polymerization to produce polymers, modify polymers through grafting or viscosity reducing cracking, or crosslink polymers to produce thermosetting materials. When used for these purposes, peroxides are highly diluted, so the heat generated by exothermic decomposition is safely absorbed by surrounding media (such as polymer compounds or lotion). However, when peroxides are in a purer form, the heat generated by their decomposition may not dissipate as quickly as it does, leading to an increase in temperature and further accelerating the rate of exothermic decomposition. This may create a dangerous situation called self accelerating decomposition. Self accelerating decomposition occurs when the decomposition rate of peroxides is sufficient to generate heat faster than the rate at which they dissipate into the environment. Temperature is the main factor affecting the decomposition rate. The lowest temperature at which packaged Organic peroxides undergoes self accelerated decomposition within one week is defined as the self accelerated decomposition temperature (SADT).
Each peroxide group is considered to contain one active oxygen atom. The concept of reactive oxygen species content helps to compare the relative concentration of peroxide groups in formulas, which is related to energy content. Generally speaking, the energy content increases with the increase of active oxygen content, so the higher the molecular weight of organic groups, the lower the energy content, and usually the lower the harm. The term reactive oxygen species is used to designate the amount of peroxide present in any Organic peroxides preparation. One oxygen atom in each peroxide group is considered active. The theoretical amount of reactive oxygen species can be described by the following equation: A [O] theoretical value (%)=16p/m × 100, where p is the number of peroxide groups in the molecule, and m is the molecular weight of a pure peroxide. Organic peroxides are usually sold in formulas containing one or more desensitizers. In other words, for safety or performance benefits, the properties of Organic peroxides preparations are usually changed by using additives to desensitize (desensitize), stabilize or otherwise enhance Organic peroxides for commercial use. Commercial formulations sometimes consist of mixtures of Organic peroxides that may or may not be desensitized.