Introduction
Diisobutyryl peroxide (DIBP), CAS 3437-84-1, is a diacyl peroxide derived from isobutyric acid. As one of the more reactive diacyl peroxides, DIBP finds specialized application as a low-to-medium temperature polymerization initiator, particularly in processes requiring rapid radical generation at moderate temperatures.
Key Facts: Diisobutyryl Peroxide
- CAS Number: 3437-84-1
- Molecular Formula: C8H14O4
- Molecular Weight: 174.20 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid (temperature-dependent)
- Active Oxygen: ~9.2% (theoretical)
- 10-Hour Half-Life: ~38 deg C
- 1-Hour Half-Life: ~58 deg C
- SADT: ~10-15 deg C (requires refrigerated storage)
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature |
| Density | ~1.0 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Organics | Soluble in most organic solvents and monomers |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to -10 deg C (recommended) |
Key Applications
PVC Polymerization
DIBP’s very low decomposition temperature makes it useful as an initiator for low-temperature PVC polymerization processes, producing resin grades with enhanced syndiotacticity and thermal stability. It is often used in combination with higher-temperature initiators for optimized polymerization profiles.
Specialty Polymer Production
DIBP enables polymerization at temperatures where conventional initiators show insufficient activity, facilitating the production of specialty acrylic and vinyl polymers with controlled molecular architecture.
Safety and Storage
Due to its exceptionally low SADT, DIBP requires strict temperature control:
- Refrigerated storage at -20 to -10 deg C in explosion-proof facilities
- Continuous temperature monitoring with alarms
- Limited inventory quantities with FIFO rotation
- Specialized refrigerated transport (Class 5.2, temperature-controlled)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does DIBP require such low storage temperatures?
A: DIBP has an exceptionally low SADT of approximately 10-15 deg C, meaning that self-accelerating decomposition can begin at temperatures commonly encountered during ambient storage. Refrigerated storage at -20 to -10 deg C provides a sufficient safety margin below the SADT. At these temperatures, the decomposition rate is negligible, ensuring safe storage for the duration of the product shelf life.
Q: What are the advantages of DIBP for low-temperature polymerization?
A: DIBP’s 10-hour half-life of ~38 deg C enables effective initiation at polymerization temperatures as low as 30-50 deg C. Low-temperature polymerization can produce polymers with higher stereoregularity, reduced chain transfer, and fewer structural defects. These properties translate to improved thermal stability, mechanical performance, and optical clarity in the finished polymer.
Key Takeaways
- Diisobutyryl peroxide (DIBP) is an extremely reactive diacyl peroxide with a T10h of ~38 deg C.
- It requires refrigerated storage at -20 to -10 deg C due to its very low SADT (~10-15 deg C).
- Primary application is as a low-temperature initiator for PVC and specialty polymer production.
- Strict cold chain logistics are essential for safe transport and storage.
- Shandong Do Sender Chemicals offers DIBP with comprehensive cold chain logistics support.