Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What class of organic chemicals forms potentially explosive peroxides?

1. Ethers

2. Aldehydes

3. Alcohols

4. Ketones

The correct answer is: Ethers

Ethers are particularly known for their ability to form potentially explosive peroxides when exposed to air and light over time. This chemical reaction occurs because ethers have an ether functional group (-O-) that can react with oxygen, leading to the formation of peroxides, which are highly reactive and can be hazardous. Unlike ethers, aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones generally do not form peroxides under similar conditions. While some alcohols can oxidize, they do not produce hydroperoxides or peroxides as readily or under comparable conditions as ethers do. Ketones may also undergo oxidation, but the propensity to form stable peroxides is significantly lower than that of ethers. Understanding the unique chemistry of ethers regarding peroxide formation is important for safety practices in laboratory and industrial settings, as the management of ethers requires specific precautions to prevent hazardous situations from arising.