Diethyl ether peroxide

Diethyl ether peroxides are a class of organic peroxides that slowly form in diethyl ether upon storage under air, light, or in the presence of metal by autoxidation.

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Diethyl ether hydroperoxide

Diethyl ether hydroperoxide (CH₃-CH₂-O-CH(OOH)-CH₃) is a colorless liquid of low viscosity with a pleasant smell. Upon heating it weakly deflagrates, resulting in a fog of acetic acid and water. Diethyl ether hydroperoxide decomposes in the presence of sodium hydroxide and Fe²⁺ containing salts.

Diethyl ether peroxide

Diethyl ether peroxide, also known as ethylidene peroxide, (-CH(CH₃)OO-)_n is a polymerization product of diethyl ether hydroperoxide. It is a colorless oily liquid that is an extremely brisant and friction sensitive explosive material. Amounts of less than 5 milligrams can damage chemical apparatuses. The dangerous properties of ether peroxides are the reason that diethyl ether and other peroxide forming ethers like tetrahydrofuran (THF) or ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (1,2-dimethoxyethane) are avoided in industrial processes.

Tests

Diethyl ether peroxides can be detected with potassium iodide (KI) solution or potassium iodide / starch paper. A positive test results in the formation of iodine (I₂) that causes a pink color of the ether phase or a dark bluish spot on the paper strip.

Degradation

Ether peroxides can be destroyed by disproportionation to acetaldehyde with Fe²⁺ or Mn²⁺ ions or with triphenylphosphine (PPh₃). The resulting aldehyde has to be removed to prevent a rapid back-formation of peroxides.

References

• A. Rieche, R. Meister, Modellversuche zur Autoxidation der Äther, Angewandte Chemie 49(5):106 (1936) (German)