Physical Properties
- Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
- Odor: Odorless
- Melting Point: 105°C (lit.)
- Boiling Point: 176°F
- Density: 1.16 g/mL at 25°C (lit.)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water
- Storage Conditions: 2-8°C
Chemical Properties
- Stability: Benzoyl peroxide is a strong oxidizer and is highly flammable. It should not be ground or subjected to shock or friction. It is incompatible with reducing agents, acids, bases, alcohols, metals, and organic materials. Contact with combustible materials, heating, or friction may cause fire or explosion.
- Decomposition: Upon decomposition, benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen and forms benzoic acid.
Applications
- Medical Use:
- Acne Treatment: Benzoyl peroxide is widely used to treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It works as an antibacterial agent, reducing the presence of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium implicated in acne. It also acts as a keratolytic agent, loosening dead skin cells in hair follicles.
- Concentration: Available in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations, typically in gels, creams, or drying pastes.
- Industrial Use:
- Polymerization Initiator: Used in the manufacture of plastics, such as polystyrene, as a catalyst.
- Bleaching Agent: Used in the food industry to bleach flour, whey, and cheese. It is also used for bleaching vegetable oils and fats.
- Other Uses:
- Benzoyl peroxide is used as a curing agent for silicone rubber and as a cross-linking agent.
Safety Information
- Exposure Limits: TLV-TWA 5 mg/m³; IDLH 7000 mg/m³.
- Health Hazards: Causes irritation to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. It is a potential allergen and may cause dermatitis.
- First Aid:
- Eye Contact: Irrigate with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water and seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: Remove from exposure and provide medical attention.
- Ingestion: Seek medical attention and induce vomiting.
Regulatory Information
- WHO: Listed in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for its use in treating acne.
- Carcinogenicity: Classified as Group 3 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating limited evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and inadequate evidence in humans.
Synthesis
Benzoyl peroxide can be synthesized by reacting benzoyl chloride with sodium peroxide in a cooled solution.
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