Saturday, July 28, 2007
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide + H2SO4
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is an organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to acetone peroxide, and can be dangerous to synthesize. Unlike acetone peroxide, however, MEKP is a colorless, oily liquid at room temperature and pressure, while acetone peroxide is a white solid. It is slightly less sensitive to shock and temperature, and more stable in storage.
Dilute solutions of 30 to 60% MEKP are used in industry and by hobbyists as the catalyst which initiates the polymerization of 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.
What happens if a drop of H2SO4 is added to a pile MEKP?
Watch it by yourself:
