tert-Butyl hydroperoxide

Agent Name
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide
CAS Number
75-91-2
Formula
C4-H10-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
tert-Butyl hydroperoxide formula graphical representation
Synonyms
1,1-Dimethylethyl hydroperoxide; 1,1-Dimethylethylhydroperoxide; 2-Hydroperoxy-2-methylpropane; Cadox TBH; DE 488; DE-488; Hydroperoxide, 1,1-dimethylethyl; Hydroperoxide, tert-butyl; Hydroperoxyde de butyle tertiaire [French]; Perbutyl H; Slimicide; Slimicide DE-488; T-Butyl hydroperoxide; TBHP-70; Tertiary butyl hydroperoxide; Trigonox A-75 [Czech]; Trigonox A-W70; t-Butylhydroperoxide; terc. Butylhydroperoxid [Czech]; terc.Butylhydroperoxid [Czech]; tert-Butyl hydrogen peroxide; tert-Butylhydroperoxide; [ChemIDplus] UN3109
Category
Peroxides, Organic
Description
Colorless liquid with a pungent odor; [ICSC] Odorless, colorless liquid; [CAMEO]
Sources/Uses
Used as a chemical intermediate, a curing agent for polyesters, and a catalyst for polymerization; also used for bleaching and deodorizing; [HSDB] A polymerization initiator used to produce specialty chemicals in closed systems; [ACGIH]
Comments
TLV Basis: irritation of eyes and respiratory tract; mutagenic effects; reproductive effects; Rats exposed by inhalation 6 hours/day for 5 days had histological evidence of respiratory irritation at 91 mg/m3 but not at 20 mg/m3 (approximately 6 ppm); [ACGIH] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract; [ICSC] Available as a 70% solution; Causes burns; Inhalation of high concentration can cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.1 ppm
Vapor Pressure
5.46 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.05 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 460 ppm/4H
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 43 deg (may explode on heating); [ACGIH] VP from HSDB; See 2023 "Notice of Intended Changes" for TLV; [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs]
NFPA
burn readily

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: