Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide

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Names
Preferred IUPAC name 2-Hydroperoxy-2-((2-hydroperoxybutan-2-yl)peroxy)butane
Systematic IUPAC name 2-[(2-Hydroperoxybutan-2-yl)peroxy]butane-2-peroxol
Other names Ketonox Mepox Thermacure
Identifiers
CAS Number	1338-23-4 Y
Beilstein Reference	1759757
ChemSpider	2905622 Y
EC Number	215-661-2
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
MeSH	Methyl+ethyl+ketone+peroxide
PubChem	3672772
UN number	3105
InChI InChI=1S/C8H18O6/c1-5-7(3,11-9)13-14-8(4,6-2)12-10/h9-10H,5-6H2,1-4H3 N Key: WFUGQJXVXHBTEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N
SMILES CCC(C)(OO)OOC(C)(CC)OO
Properties
Chemical formula	C8H18O6
Molar mass	210.23 g·mol−1
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Density	1.170 g cm−3
Solubility in water	soluble
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity	High
Detonation velocity	5200 m/s
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is an organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to acetone peroxide. MEKP is a colorless, oily liquid whereas acetone peroxide is a white powder at STP; MEKP is slightly less sensitive to shock and temperature, and more stable in storage. Depending on the experimental conditions, several different adducts of methyl ethyl ketone and hydrogen peroxide are known. The first to be reported was a cyclic dimer, C₈H₁₆O₄, in 1906. Later studies found that a linear dimer is the most prevalent in the mixture of products typically obtained, and this is the form that is typically quoted in the commercially available material from chemical supply companies.

Dilute solutions of 30 to 60% MEKP are used in industry and by hobbyists as the catalyst which initiates the Crosslinking of unsaturated polyester resins used in glass-reinforced plastic, and casting. For this application, MEKP is dissolved in dimethyl phthalate, cyclohexane peroxide, or diallyl phthalate to reduce sensitivity to shock. Benzoyl peroxide can be used for the same purpose.

MEKP is a severe skin irritant and can cause progressive corrosive damage or blindness.

MEKP, acetone peroxide and HMTD have all been reported to be the explosives used in the alleged 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot.

See also

• Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
• Acetone Peroxide (TATP)

External links

• CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
• The Register: Mass murder in the skies: was the plot feasible?
• New York Times: Details Emerge in British Terror Case
• The Free Information Society: HMTD Synthesis