Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Di-Tert-Butyl Peroxide (Enox DTBP)
1. Identification
Product Name: Di-Tert-Butyl Peroxide
Chemical Name: Peroxide, di-tert-butyl
Synonyms: DTBP, Enox DTBP, Peroxid bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)
Recommended Use: Polymerization initiator, chemical manufacturing
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact local supplier for details
Emergency Phone: Refer to supplier
CAS Number: 110-05-4
UN Number: 3105
Relevant Identified Uses: Industrial chemical, not for consumer use
2. Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Organic Peroxide Type E, Flammable Liquid (Category 3), Acute Toxicity (Oral Category 4), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Heating may cause fire or explosion. Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation.
Pictogram: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. Avoid breathing vapors. Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Di-Tert-Butyl Peroxide
CAS Number: 110-05-4
Concentration: >98%
Impurities: Minor aliphatic peroxides (less than 2%)
Stabilizers: None added
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Keep at rest. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical advice if irritation continues.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Obtain medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if conscious. Do not induce vomiting. Get immediate medical attention.
Notes for Physician: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Monitor respiratory and cardiovascular function.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide. Avoid direct water jet.
Specific Hazards: May decompose on heating, releasing flammable and toxic gases including carbon oxides, tert-butyl alcohol, and volatile organic compounds. Violent combustion possible in large fires.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Firefighting Instructions: Evacuate area. Cool containers exposed to fire with water. Avoid breathing decomposition products. Prevent runoff from entering drains.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear protective equipment. Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Eliminate all ignition sources.
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow product to enter waterways, drains, or soil.
Containment and Clean-Up: Absorb spillage with inert non-combustible absorbent material. Place in containers for disposal. Wash spill site after material pickup is complete.
Additional Advice: Provide ventilation to affected area. Dispose in compliance with local regulations. Control vapor emissions with water sprays.
7. Handling and Storage
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Open containers carefully. Ground all equipment. Avoid rough handling and physical shock that can rupture containers.
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using. Wash hands after handling.
Storage Requirements: Store in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight and heat sources. Keep container tightly closed. Isolation from incompatible materials such as acids, bases, reducing agents, heavy metals required.
Recommended Temperature: Below 30°C (86°F). Monitor with temperature controls and alarms.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, reducing agents, combustible materials.
8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: No specific ACGIH or OSHA limits for Di-Tert-Butyl Peroxide. Industry best practice keeps exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation. Isolate process vessels. Provide emergency showers and eyewash stations.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles with side shields or face shield.
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves made of butyl rubber or nitrile.
Skin Protection: Lab coat, apron, or flame-resistant clothing.
Respiratory Protection: If ventilation inadequate, use a NIOSH-approved respirator with organic vapor cartridge.
Environmental Controls: Prevent release to environment. Use closed systems wherever practical.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Slightly sharp, characteristic peroxide smell
Molecular Formula: (CH3)3COOC(CH3)3
Molecular Weight: 146.23 g/mol
Boiling Point: 111°C (232°F)
Melting Point: -39°C (-38°F)
Flash Point: 15°C (59°F) closed cup
Vapor Pressure: 27 mmHg at 25°C
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Density: 0.795 g/cm3 at 20°C
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 410°C (770°F)
Decomposition Temperature: 110°C (230°F)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 4.35
Viscosity: 1.3 mPa·s
10. Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage conditions. Can self-accelerate decomposition if temperature exceeds recommended limits.
Reactive Hazard: Strong oxidizer. Can react with strong reducing agents, acids, bases, organic materials, and metals.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, fire, sunlight, friction, and physical shock.
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, tert-butanol, flammable hydrocarbons.
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize.
11. Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity (Oral/rat): LD50 ~ 4000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Dermal/rabbit): LD50 > 3000 mg/kg
Inhalation: Vapors may cause headaches, irritation, dizziness, nausea. High concentrations can lead to central nervous system depression.
Skin/Irritation: Irritating to skin. Redness and possibly burning.
Eye Irritation: Causes redness, pain, tearing, blurred vision.
Chronic Exposure: No clear evidence for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity in humans.
Sensitization: Not established.
Other Data: Low potential for systemic toxicity at occupational exposure levels with adequate controls.
12. Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable, but release to water should be limited. Hydrolyzes slowly.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation based on log Kow.
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to low solubility in water.
Aquatic Toxicity (Fish): LC50 (96h, Oncorhynchus mykiss): 8 mg/L
Aquatic Toxicity (Daphnia): EC50 (48h): 5 mg/L
Other Adverse Effects: Degradation produces oxygen and organic residues, which can promote eutrophication in water bodies.
13. Disposal Considerations
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of material through licensed chemical waste contractor.
Product Disposal: Incineration under controlled conditions preferred. Comply with local, regional, and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain product residue. Do not reuse. Offer for hazardous waste disposal.
Special Instructions: Do not discharge into drains or the environment. Avoid release to sewers.
14. Transport Information
UN Number: 3105
UN Proper Shipping Name: Organic Peroxide Type E, Liquid (di-tert-butyl peroxide)
Transport Hazard Class: 5.2 (Organic Peroxide)
Packing Group: II
Labels: 5.2 (Organic Peroxide)
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Keep segregated from acids, bases, flammable materials. Avoid shock and vibration during transit. Temperature control required.
Transport in Bulk: According to Annex II of MARPOL and IBC Code
15. Regulatory Information
TSCA: Listed in US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
OSHA Hazard Communication: Covered as hazardous chemical
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304/311/312): Reportable as immediate (acute) health hazard, fire hazard
REACH: Registered under EC 1907/2006
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Class C – Oxidizing material, Class B2 – Flammable liquid
Other Regulations: Subject to storage, labeling, and transport restrictions worldwide. Check with local and national authorities for specific requirements.
Inventory Listings: Included in EINECS, DSL, AICS, ENCS, PICCS, and other major chemical inventories