Cumene hydroperoxide


Cumene hydroperoxide is an organic hydroperoxide intermediate in the cumene process for synthesizing phenol and acetone from benzene and propene. It is typically used as an oxidizing agent. Products of decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide are methylstyrene, acetophenone, and cumyl alcohol. Its formula is C6H5C2OOH.
One of the key uses for the material is as a free radical initiator for acrylate and methacrylate monomers, and polyester resins.
Cumene hydroperoxide is involved as an organic peroxide in the manufacturing of propylene oxide by the oxidation of propylene. This technology was commercialized by Sumitomo Chemical. Oxidation of cumene affords cumene hydroperoxide
The oxidation by cumene hydroperoxide of propylene affords propylene oxide and the byproduct cumyl alcohol. The reaction follows this stoichiometry:
Dehydrating and hydrogenating cumyl alcohol recycles the cumene.

Public safety

Cumene hydroperoxide is believed to be one of the chemicals of concern at the Arkema facility in Crosby, Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

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