Many solvents undergo autoxidation reactions to form explosive peroxides and there have been many incidences of injury and property damage due to this phenomenon. As a consequence, these solvents must be tested routinely or simply discarded after storing for a short period of time. We have developed improved technologies for both testing solvents for peroxides but, more importantly, preventing build-up of peroxides in laboratory solvents. For this application, a dark blue nanometric reagent is immobilized on catalyst support pellets. As it reacts with peroxides a color change from dark blue to yellow occurs thus providing a simple colorimetric indication that the solvent remains safe to use. This technology can markedly improve laboratory safety and save both money and the environment by eliminating the wasteful disposal of solvents.

Is that bottle of solvent a bomb? Detecting and neutralizing peroxides in solvents

244th National Meeting (2012)

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