Peroxide forming chemicals (PFCs) are a class of chemicals that when exposed to oxygen degrade to form peroxides overtime. These peroxides can be identified by the presence of discoloration and crystals in the chemical bottle. These peroxides are shock sensitive and may explode upon exposure to physical or thermal shock or upon concentration.
Use, disposal and routine testing of peroxide forming chemicals at Syracuse University align with the standards of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Chemical Safety Guide.
Three classes of peroxide forming chemicals are managed at Syracuse University, they are listed in the table below:
Class A – Severe Peroxide Hazard
Spontaneously decompose and become explosive to air, even without concentration.
| Butadiene* | Chloroprene* | Divinyl Acetylene |
| Potassium Metal** | Isopropyl Ether | Potassium Amide |
| Sodium Amide | Vinylidene Chloride |
*When stored as a liquid monomer
**Can form peroxides on the metal (will turn yellow) and under container lids upon extended storage in an air atmosphere.
Class B – Concentration Hazard
Requires external energy for spontaneous decomposition. Forms explosive peroxides when distilled, evaporated, or otherwise concentrated.
| Acetal | Acetaldehyde | Benzyl Alcohol |
| 2-Butanol | Cyclohexene | 2-Cyclohexen-1-ol |
| Cyclopentene | Cumene | Diethyl Ether |
| 1,4-Dioxane | 4-Heptanol | Furan |
| Isoamyl Alcohol | Isobutyl Vinyl Ether | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone |
| 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol | 4-Penten-1-ol | 2-Pentanol |
| 1-Phenylethanol | 2-Phenylethanol | Tetrahydrofuran |
Class C – Shock & Heat Sensitive
Highly reactive and can autopolymerize from internal peroxide accumulation.
| Butadiene* | Chloroprene* | Chlorotrifluoroethylene |
| Methyl Methacrylate | Styrene | Vinyl Acetate |
| Vinyl Acetylene | Vinyl Chloride | Vinyl Pyridine |
*When stored as a gas
References:
National Institutes of Health Chemical Safety
Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards
Management of time-sensitive chemicals (II): Their identification, chemistry and management (CHAS)