Can Dip Strips Really Test for Peroxides in Organic Solvents Semiquantitatively?

Abstract

Commercially available dip strips based on peroxidase technology are widely used to semiquantitatively determine the peroxide concentration in peroxidizable solvents. However, on the basis of the results of our study, the method can only qualitatively respond to limited types of peroxides; it also responds to other oxidants, such as NaClO. Therefore, test results obtained from dip strips should be used for reference only. Differential scanning calorimetry is recommended as a more reliable and direct method to assess decomposition risks.

Safe Scale-Up of anN-Bromosuccinimide Involved Bromination Reaction

“…The C80 test using the BHT-free 2-MeTHF exhibited a delay time of 22 min (Table , entry 4), that was 9 min ahead of the initiation in the first test. In addition, considering the peroxides could also play as a radical initiator, the peroxide content in the 2-MeTHF used in this work was checked by a Quantofix peroxide test paper and less than 0.5 mg/L (no coloration of test paper) . In summary, the addition of AIBN or HBr could accelerate the reaction between NBS and 2-MeTHF.…”

General Method for Quantitation of Organic Hydroperoxides

“…Devoid of the strong spectroscopic handles present in other hazardous species, like azides and cyanides, detection of organic peroxides relies on more technically challenging methods of detection such as quantitative NMR, colorimetric titrations or enzymatic methods . Commercially available peroxide testing strips are routinely used to check organic solvents in the laboratory, but as was pointed out in a recent article, these strips are semiquantitative at best, particularly when focusing on the parts-per-million (ppm) levels of peroxides that are seen as posing significant safety risks.…”

Reconsidering the Safety Hazards Associated with Peroxide Formation in 2-Propanol

“…While this method is quick and easy, a recent paper gave evidence that for organic peroxides, these test strips are "roughly qualitative" at best. 11 There are other methods 12 that can be used for quantitative measurements, including the standard colorimetric test using iodine, 13 iron, 14 and other dyes. 15 If present in large enough amounts, peroxides can be measured by quantitative NMR spectroscopy.…”

“…In our laboratories, we use the QUANTOFIX brand test strips, which are labeled by the manufacturer as semiquantitative for hydrogen peroxide but also can be used on organic hydroperoxides. While this method is quick and easy, a recent paper gave evidence that for organic peroxides, these test strips are “roughly qualitative” at best . There are other methods that can be used for quantitative measurements, including the standard colorimetric test using iodine, iron, and other dyes .…”