Diethyl ether peroxide

Diethyl ether hydroperoxide is the organic compound with the formula C2H5OCH(OOH)CH3. It is a colorless, distillable liquid. Diethyl ether hydroperoxide and its condensation products are blamed for the explosive organic peroxides that slowly form upon exposure of diethyl ether to ambient air and temperature conditions.[1][2]

Diethyl ether hydroperoxide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
Properties
C4H10O3
Molar mass 106.121 g·mol−1
Appearance colorless liquid
Density 1.005 g/cm3
Boiling point 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F; 335 to 337 K) at 18.7 hPa (reduced pressure)
Hazards
Main hazards Explosive
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
Flammability code 4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23 °C (73 °F). E.g. propaneHealth code 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroformReactivity code 4: Readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures. E.g. nitroglycerinSpecial hazards (white): no code
4
2
4
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Synthesis and reactions

Diethyl ether hydroperoxide can be formed by the photooxygenation of diethyl ether. This is a radical process, driven by UV excitation of molecular oxygen into a more reactive form. Its formation is usually undesirable due to the associated risk of explosion. For this reason commercial samples of diethyl ether will usually contain antioxidants such as BHT and be contained in a material able to block UV rays, such as amber glass.

It can be intentionally prepared in high yield by the acid-catalyzed addition of hydrogen peroxide to ethyl vinyl ether:[1]

C2H5OCH=CH2 + H2O2 → C2H5OCH(OOH)CH3

Related hydroperoxides can be produced similarly.

Diethyl ether hydroperoxide, upon heating in water, decomposes to acetaldehyde:

C2H5OCH(OOH)CH3 → CH3CHO + C2H5OH + H2O2 →

Diethyl ether hydroperoxide forms polymers known as diethyl ether peroxide, or ethylidene peroxide:

The peroxide is a colorless oil that is an extremely brisant and friction sensitive explosive material, however the polymeric materials are solid making them more dangerous as evaporation of the volatile diethyl ether can leave thin films of pure explosive.

Tests

Diethyl ether peroxides can be detected with a potassium iodide (KI) solution in acetic acid or potassium iodide / starch paper. A positive test results in the formation of iodine (I2) that causes a yellow or brown color of the ether phase or a dark bluish spot on the paper strip.[3]

References
  1. . doi:10.1021/ja01638a012. Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. A. Rieche, R. Meister (1936). "Modellversuche zur Autoxidation der Äther". Angewandte Chemie (in German). 49 (5): 106.
  3. "Peroxide Forming Solvents". Sigma-Aldrich. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
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