ROOHrakenteen

ROOHdenotes the hydroperoxide functional group in organic chemistry. The general formula is ROOH, where R is an organic substituent. The simplest member is hydrogen peroxide, HOOH, but most hydroperoxides studied have R as an alkyl or aryl group.

Structurally, ROOH contains a peroxide linkage (O–O) with a terminal hydroxyl group, giving R–O–O–H. The O–O bond is relatively weak and can break homolytically to form radicals such as RO• and •OH under heat, light, or catalytic conditions. The properties of ROOH depend heavily on the nature of R.

Formation and occurrence: Hydroperoxides arise during autoxidation of alkanes and alkenes, often as intermediates in oxidation processes. In industry, cumene hydroperoxide is a prominent example, produced by air oxidation of cumene and later cleaved in the Hock process to yield phenol and acetone.

Reactivity and applications: They act as oxidants and radical initiators in polymerization and synthesis. They can decompose to carbonyl compounds, alcohols, or alkanes depending on the substituent and conditions. Some ROOH participate in rearrangements, such as the Hock rearrangement of cumene hydroperoxide.

Safety considerations: Hydroperoxides are often thermally unstable and can detonate under improper storage or handling. They are sensitive to heat, shock, friction, and impurities. Handling typically requires stabilizers, inhibitors, controlled temperature, and avoidance of metal contaminants.