Peroxide Formers

Peroxide forming chemicals have the ability to oxidize with atmospheric oxygen under ambient conditions to form shock sensitive explosive peroxide crystals. Peroxide formation can be created by exposure to air, self-polymerization, or solvent impurities.  Many organic solvents commonly used in labs at MSU are identified as peroxide formers.

Refer to peroxide formers (XLSX) for classifications and CAS Numbers. It should be noted that the listed chemicals are not all inclusive. Laboratories should always consult the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or contact EHS for additional guidance.

Requirements

• Labeling

  Peroxide forming chemicals should be inventoried immediately upon delivery to a lab and labeled with a label depicting the date the chemical was received. Refer to the MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan (PDF) for proper storage procedures and testing time frames for the peroxide forming chemicals. 

  Labels for peroxide chemicals can be requested from the EHS Chemical Safety Group.

• Testing

  Quantofix test strips are recommended and available from Fisher. Labs using other brands: consult the manufacturer instructions.

  Testing Instructions - Quantofix 100 Peroxide Test Strips

  1. Dip the test strip into the test solution for 1 second.
  2. Shake off excess liquid.
  3. Wait 5 seconds.
  4. Compare with the color scale provided on the test package. If hydrogen peroxide is present, the test field turns blue.

  
  Quantofix complete instructions (PDF)

  
  Evaluating Test Results

  Evaluating Peroxide Test Results

  Test Result	Action
  <25ppm	Considered safe for continued use or if not proposed to be used, disposal through EHS
  25-100ppm	Submit hazardous waste request to EHS Safety Portal for removal of material
  >100ppm	Leave in place and contact EHS for proper disposal

• Disposal

  If any of the following conditions exist, do not open the bottle and contact EHS immediately:

  • visual inspection of the material identifies crystal formation, solids, or cloudiness
  • container has a metal screw cap or glass stopper
  • Class A compound is past its expiration date

  
  Provided the above conditions do not exist, the material must be peroxide tested within 24 hours of requesting waste pickup, and the results of that test noted on the label or the hazardous waste tag as follows:

  • The date it was received
  • The date it was opened
  • The date it was tested
  • The testing level

  
  Any materials not peroxide tested by the laboratory prior to disposal may result in additional disposal costs incurred by the Department for a Hazardous Waste vendor to test and remove the material.

  

  
  Examples of properly labeled peroxide formers ready for pickup