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 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 wasteful disposal of solvents. Furthermore, the reagent can be used directly as a powder to neutralize peroxides in highly contaminated solvents so that they may be disposed of safely.

Defusing the ticking time bomb of peroxidized solvents in the laboratory

245th National Meeting (2013)

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