Intro: I have handled Tetrahydrofuran (THF) for 20+ years and have never heard of an incident where peroxides have formed,
despite seeing THF on every list of potential peroxide formers. Well, here is that incident we are trying to prevent.
Lesson Learned_Peroxide.pdf
Ethyl Ether (or Diethyl Ether) and THF are the two somewhat common solvents used in Biosci which are on the list of potential
peroxide formers. EH&S has included findings on their lab safety surveys related to this hazard, whenever they comes across THF or
Ethyl Ether during their surveys.
A couple of simple precautions can go a long way toward preventing explosions.
Put the date received and date opened on all containers of potential peroxide formers.
Do not transfer potential peroxide formers out of their original containers except for imminent use. Peroxide formers
are often shipped in metal cans which have sacrificial anodic coatings to delay the formation of peroxides.
Many have trace additives that delay peroxide formation. Once a peroxide former is transferred into another
container, peroxides can form much more quickly.
Do not distill potential peroxide formers without a carefully thought out strategy for testing and tracking the
peroxide concentration in the distillate.
Test all containers of potential peroxide formers, starting at 6 months after purchase (see suggestion 1).
Have waste chemicals removed promptly.
I have peroxide test strips available for testing any old THF or Ethyl Ether. I will ask you to consider disposal of these items, however, if you have not used them in the last 6 months. Please see the second attachment for a list of the most common peroxide forming chemicals.
