Understanding the Properties and Handling of Organic Peroxide
The Organic peroxides are a versatile and important class of chemical compounds characterized by the presence of a peroxide functional group in which two oxygen atoms are connected by a single bond and attached to organic radicals. This distinctive chemical structure gives organic peroxides unique reactivity, making them valuable in a wide variety of industrial applications. They are primarily used as initiators, catalysts, cross-linking agents, and curing agents in the production of polymers, resins, and coatings. However, their high reactivity also makes them hazardous, requiring careful handling, storage, and transportation to ensure safety. The combination of usefulness and risk associated with organic peroxides makes them one of the most studied and regulated classes of chemicals in modern industries.
The fundamental characteristic of organic peroxides is their ability to decompose and release free radicals, which are highly reactive species capable of initiating chemical reactions. This property is particularly important in the…