hüdroperoksiid

Hydroperoxides are a class of chemical compounds that contain the functional group R−O−O−H, where R is an organic radical. They are the conjugate acids of hydroperoxide anions (ROO⁻). Hydroperoxides are often unstable and can be explosive, particularly when concentrated or in the presence of metal ions. They are frequently encountered as intermediates in organic reactions, such as autoxidation, and are also used as initiators for polymerization reactions.

The most common hydroperoxide is hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), where R is a hydrogen atom. Organic hydroperoxides, such as tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide, are widely used in industry. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide is employed as an oxidizing agent in various organic syntheses and as a polymerization initiator. Cumene hydroperoxide is a key intermediate in the cumene process for producing phenol and acetone.

Hydroperoxides can be formed through various methods, including the reaction of alcohols with oxygen in the presence of catalysts, or the autoxidation of hydrocarbons. Their reactivity stems from the weak oxygen-oxygen single bond, which readily breaks to form free radicals. These radicals can then initiate further reactions, making hydroperoxides useful in radical polymerization and other chain reactions. Due to their instability, careful handling and storage are essential when working with hydroperoxides. They should typically be stored in cool, dark places, away from incompatible materials that could catalyze their decomposition.