7150. Peracetic Acid

Nomenclature

CAS number: 79-21-0
Ethaneperoxoic acid; peroxyacetic acid; acetyl hydroperoxide; Proxitane (Solvay Interox).
C2H4O3; mol wt 76.05.
C 31.59%, H 5.30%, O 63.11%.

Description and references

Commercial product is an equilib soln of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water, q.q.v. Prepn: J. D'Ans, DE 251802 (1911); J. D'Ans, W. Frey, Ber. 45, 1845 (1912); using solid superacid catalysts: M. S. Saha et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 44, 5535 (2003). Decomposition study: E. Koubek et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 85, 2263 (1963). HPLC Determn: U. Pinkernell et al., Anal. Chem. 66, 2599 (1994); idem et al., J. Chromatogr. A 730, 203 (1996). Biocidal properties and water treatment applications: J. F. Kramer, Mater. Perform. 36, 42 (1997). Review of of use in pharmaceutical synthesis: H. Feigenbaum, Spec. Chem. 17, 80-84 (1997); of prepn and properties: B. B. Klopotek, Chim. Oggi 16, 33-37 (1998); of use as a bleaching agent: R. B. Chavan et al., Colourage 47, 15-20 (2000).

Chemical structure

Properties

Liquid, acrid odor. mp 0°. bp1.6 hPa 25°. d420 1.0375. nD20 1.3974. Flash pt: 133°F (56°C). pKa 8.2. Explodes violently on heating to 110°. Freely sol in water, alcohol, ether, H2SO4. Stable in dil aq soln. Strong oxidizing agent. LD50 (mg/kg) in rats: 1540 orally; in rabbits: 1410 dermally. LC50 in rats (mg/m3): 450 by inhalation (Klopotek).

Caution

Strongly irritating to skin and eyes.

Use

Environmentally friendly biocide; disinfectant in the food and beverage industry; bleaching agent for textiles and paper. Oxidizing agent in organic synthesis.