T-HYDRO® tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide (TBHP)

Benefits and Applications

T-HYDRO TBHP is one of only two organic peroxides that the U.S. Department of Transportation certifies for tank truck shipment. We maintain a fleet of dedicated trucks and iso-containers equipped with the necessary safety features to provide deliveries worldwide.

Many industries, including polymers and specialty chemicals, use T-HYDRO TBHP as an initiator and/or oxidant.

T-HYDRO TBHP provides higher thermal stability than other commonly used oxidizing agents. It has a high self-accelerating decomposition temperature (190°F/88°C). Little to no decomposition occurs up to moderate temperatures (~100°F/38°C).

T-HYDRO TBHP provides versatility and convenience in many applications because of the solvent's compatibility. TBHP's solubility in water is about 15 wt.%. TBHP is also miscible with most organic solvents.

T-HYDRO TBHP provides reactivity control with appropriate catalyst choice and often mild reaction conditions. Selectivity advantages include regioselectivity, stereoselectivity and chemoselectivity. When reacted, the by-product tertiary butyl alcohol is stable. Simple distillation easily reduces the alcohol to low residual levels.

Toxicology/Regulatory

TBHP is of moderate acute toxicity via all routes of exposure. Ingestion may result in severe discomfort, pronounced gastrointestinal irritation, and internal bleeding, while exposure to vapor or aerosol may cause marked irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Skin or eye contact leads to irritation, redness, and chemical burns. It has a potential to induce sensitization by skin contact. Renal changes (including accumulation of protein droplets) reported in male rats following repeated oral exposure appear to arise via a mechanism not relevant to humans; however, no other signs of systemic toxicity were noted. TBHP is not selectively toxic to the fetus, nor does it adversely affect fertility or reproductive performance in adult rats after gavage administration.

Decreased sperm counts and reduced litter sizes noted following the treatment of male mice by repeated intraperitoneal injection are of unknown relevance to humans due to the non-physiological route of exposure employed. TBHP is mutagenic in microbial and mammalian systems in vitro; however, responses in vivo are less consistent, with no effect on bone marrow micronuclei in mice after a single intravenous (i.v.) injection or chromosomal aberrations in rats after repeated inhalation exposure, while dominant lethal mutations were detected in sperm from male mice following repeated intraperitoneal injection. It did not increase in the incidence of tumors in an 18-month mouse skin painting study but appeared to increase tumor yield in an initiation/promotion study; the relevance of these findings to humans is not known. It is not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA or the EU.

Regulatory Status

X = All components are included or are otherwise exempt from inclusion on this inventory.

If identified components of this product are listed under the TSCA 12(b) Export Notification rule, they will be listed below.

SARA 302/304

No chemicals in this material with known CAS numbers are subject to the reporting requirements of CERCLA.

SARA 311/312

Based on available information, this material is classified as presenting the following health and physical hazards, according to Sections 311 and 312:

• Immediate (acute) health hazard
• Fire hazard
• Reactive hazard

SARA 313

This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the De Minimis reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313 and 40 CFR 372.

Storage and Handling

Store away from heat, sparks, open flame, foreign contamination and reducing agents (combustibles). Store so that fire extinguishing media can be applied to all containers from a safe distance/protected location. Store between 50-100°F (10-38°C).

For industrial use only. Closed containers may generate internal gas pressure by decomposition (oxygen), which can accelerate burning of combustibles. Overpressure may rupture container and cause serious injury or result in or accelerate fire. Provide a nitrogen pad to dilute any free oxygen build-up and prevent any hydroperoxide self-combustion. Use only non-sparking tools. Properly ground containers before beginning transfer. All equipment must conform to the applicable electrical code. Minimize formation of sprays during transfer. Inspect frequently to identify bulging or leaking containers. Isolate or depressurize if safe to do so. Do not steam purge systems containing this material until they have been properly flushed with a suitable material such as mineral oil, kerosene, TBA, etc., depending on system compatibility. Isolate, vent, drain, wash and purge systems or equipment before maintenance or repair. Extinguish all ignition sources. Check the atmosphere for explosiveness and oxygen deficiencies. Wear recommended personal protective equipment. Observe precautions pertaining to confined space entry.

OPPSD

Lyondell Chemical Company works with other producers of organic peroxides through the Organic Peroxides Producers Safety Division (OPPSD), a division of the Society of the Plastics Industry, to promote the safe handling and use of organic peroxides, including T-HYDRO TBHP. Various guidance documents and product stewardship tools may be found at the OPPSD website.