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The Hidden Dangers of Acetone Peroxide: Why Can It Cause Shocking Explosions?
In the chemical world, ethyl ketone peroxide, also known as Mother of Satan, is an organic peroxide and a major explosive that may surprise you with its lesser-known dangers. This substance is produced by the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide. It can form a white crystalline powder, usually accompanied by a bleach-like odor, or when the purity is higher, it releases a fruity aroma.
Historical BackgroundEthyl ketone peroxide may cause a violent explosion if exposed to external stimuli such as heat, friction, static electricity, high concentration of sulfuric acid, strong ultraviolet radiation, or even impact.
The history of acetone peroxide can be traced back to 1895, when German chemist Richard Wolfenstein first discovered triethanol triperoxide (TATP). As research on it deepens, the properties and synthesis methods of this chemical substance become increasingly clear. However, this powerful explosive has only recently been undetectable by many explosives detectors, and its hidden nature has made it an explosive of choice in terrorist activities.
Chemical properties
The preparation of acetone peroxide usually requires acid catalysis. Depending on the reaction conditions, it forms different levels of compounds, including monomers, dimers, and trimers. These types of peroxides are very stable in chemical structure, but can easily cause accidental explosions if stored under improper conditions.
Studies have shown that the explosive decomposition of TATP produces acetic acid and ozone as the main products, which is different from the commonly known oxide products.
Industrial Applications
Although acetone peroxide is extremely dangerous, it is also used in certain industrial fields. These compounds are often used as initiators for polymerization reactions, especially for making glass fiber reinforced composites. In the food industry, it is used as a flour bleaching agent. In certain oxidation reactions, acetone peroxides may appear as undesirable by-products.Use in homemade bombs
TATP is favored by terrorists because it is easy to make, and it has been used as an explosive in several terrorist attacks since 2001. From the London bombings to the Paris attacks, the use of TATP is common. In addition to being inexpensive to make, its nitrogen-free nature allows it to evade most conventional explosives detectors, making it an ideal choice.
Since 2016, the EU has restricted the sale of hydroxides, especially those with a concentration of more than 12%, in order to prevent the use of such explosives.
Potential risks and safety hazards
However, the risks of using TATP are not limited to terrorist attack scenarios. During illegal production, many producers suffered serious injuries and deaths during experiments due to its high sensitivity to heat and shock. The special smell released during the manufacturing process also makes its potential manufacturing activities extremely obvious but difficult to avoid.
The existence of this chemical makes us think about whether our understanding of chemicals and precautions against them are sufficient in our daily lives and industrial production processes? In the context of ever-advancing technology and relatively backward regulation, has the issue of how to balance the use and safety of chemicals become a challenge that must be faced?
