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| Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide | |
|---|---|
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| IUPAC name | 2,2-dihydroperoxybutane |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 1338-23-4 |
| PubChem | |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C4H10O4 |
| Molar mass | 128.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, high-viscosity liquid |
| Density | 1.15 g/cm³ |
| Melting point |
-8 °C, 265 K, 18 °F |
| Boiling point |
109 °C, 382 K, 228 °F |
| Explosive data | |
| Shock sensitivity | High |
| Explosive velocity | Approx. 5200 m/s |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is an organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to acetone peroxide. MEKP is a colorless, oily liquid whereas acetone peroxide is a white powder at STP; MEKP 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.
MEKP, acetone peroxide and HMTD have all been reported to be the explosives used in the alleged 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot.
See also
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
External links
- The Register: Mass murder in the skies: was the plot feasible?
- New York Times: Details Emerge in British Terror Case
- The Free Information Society: HMTD Synthesis
- Chemical Profile
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 20 November 2008, at 20:20.
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