Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Tert-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide (Enox TBHP)

Identification

Product Name: Tert-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide
Synonyms: TBHP, Enox TBHP, t-Butyl Hydroperoxide
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
CAS Number: 75-91-2
Recommended Use: Intermediate for synthesis, polymerization initiator, oxidizing agent in laboratories and industry
Manufacturer/Supplier: [Company Name], [Address], [Telephone Number], [Emergency Telephone Number]

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Organic peroxide (Type E), Acute toxicity (Oral, Category 4), Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), Serious eye damage/irritation (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: May cause fire, Harmful if swallowed, Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye damage
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark, Corrosion
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. Avoid breathing fumes or vapors. Wear protective equipment.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tert-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide
Concentration: 69% solution in water (common commercial grade); variable based on supplier specification
Other Components: Water (31% for commercial 70% solution)
Impurities: Minor organic stabilizers may be present depending on source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult. Remove any source of exposure.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Obtain medical attention immediately.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice.
General Notes: Show medical professional the product label and MSDS for reference. Immediate medical attention is crucial for eye contact and ingestion.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder. Avoid carbon dioxide for large fires.
Specific Hazards: Strong oxidizer, promotes combustion. Risk of explosion under fire conditions. Decomposes to release combustible and toxic gases (including tert-butanol, acetone, methane, carbon monoxide).
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. Approach fire from upwind to avoid dusts, gases and vapors.
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Cool closed containers with water spray. Keep run-off water away from surface waterways and drains. Isolate the area for at least 50 meters in all directions in case of major fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate all unnecessary personnel from the area. Ventilate the area. Wear protective equipment including goggles, gloves, and chemical-resistant suit.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not allow entry into drains or watercourses.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb spilled material with inert, damp, non-combustible material (sand, earth, vermiculite). Collect in suitable, closed, labelled chemical waste containers for disposal. Avoid contact with combustible materials.
Decontamination: Wash spill area with plenty of water after material pickup. Ensure complete cleaning before reoccupation.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid sources of heat, sparks, or flame. Use only non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment. Ground and bond all containers and equipment. Use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods.
Storage Conditions: Store away from direct sunlight, heat, and incompatible materials (reducing agents, strong acids, metals). Keep in tightly closed, clearly labeled containers. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place secured from unauthorized access. Recommended storage temperature: 2–8°C.
Incompatibilities: Keep away from organic materials, oxidizable substances, reducing agents, acids, alkalis, metallic powders and salts.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No ACGIH, OSHA, or NIOSH exposure limit established. Use local guidelines where available.
Engineering Controls: Use with adequate ventilation. Handle in chemical fume hood or use local exhaust. Emergency eyewash and safety shower in work area.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or chemical apron, closed footwear. Respiratory protection if ventilation is insufficient.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling. Wash hands and exposed skin after handling.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Sharp, pungent, unpleasant
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: ~5–7 (aqueous solution)
Melting Point: -30°C
Boiling Point: 35–39°C (at 14 mmHg; decomposes before boiling at atmospheric pressure)
Flash Point: 15°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: 30 mmHg at 30°C
Solubility: Miscible with water
Density: 0.954 g/cm³ at 20°C
Decomposition Temperature: 80°C (self-accelerating decomposition)
Viscosity: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Unstable at elevated temperatures. Decomposes with heat, shock, or contamination.
Reactivity: Strong oxidizer. Violent reaction with reducing agents, combustible materials, concentrated acids, metals, amines.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, shock, friction, contamination with incompatible materials.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, tert-butanol, methane, acetone.
Polymerization: Will not occur under recommended conditions.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 382 mg/kg
Inhalation: Harmful by inhalation, causes respiratory irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation, redness, pain, possible burns
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe irritation and burns, possible permanent eye injury
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin sensitization
Long-Term Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause effects to liver and kidneys
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No conclusive evidence

Ecological Information

Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life (EC50 - 96 h, fish: 13.8 mg/L)
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly decomposes in water. Not persistent in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to solubility in water; risk of contamination to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release into the environment. Dangerous to aquatic organisms even in low concentrations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose according to local, regional, and national regulations. Small amounts may be degraded by careful dilution with water and slow addition to reducing agent (consult local guidelines). Large quantities—contact licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, puncture, and dispose via approved waste disposal facility. Do not reuse empty containers.
Precautions: Do not allow material or contaminated refuse to enter waterways or environment. Do not mix with combustible or incompatible waste streams.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3109
UN Proper Shipping Name: Organic Peroxide Type E, Liquid (Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide, 69%)
Transport Hazard Class: 5.2 (Organic peroxides)
Packing Group: II (for solutions with 52–69%)
Labels Required: Organic Peroxide, Flammable Liquid
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant under IMDG
Special Transport Precautions: Keep away from direct sunlight, elevated temperatures, and incompatible materials during transit. Install spill containment and ventilation when transported in bulk.

Regulatory Information

United States: Listed on TSCA. Subject to OSHA hazardous substance rules. Reportable Quantity (RQ) under CERCLA: 10 lbs (4.54 kg). SARA 302/304/313 reportable.
European Union: Classified as dangerous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). Subject to Seveso directive (threshold quantities and controls).
Canada: Listed on DSL/NDSL. Subject to WHMIS Class C (Oxidizing Material), Class B2 (Flammable Liquid), and Class D2B (Toxic Material).
Other Regulations: Subject to detailed storage, handling, and record-keeping by local, regional, and national law. Regulatory status varies with jurisdiction.