cumene hydroperoxide

chemical compound

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Cumene hydroperoxide is an oily liquid created by oxidizing cumene with air. It serves as a polymerization catalyst, particularly in the production of synthetic rubber. Additionally, it is a key source material for manufacturing phenol and acetone.1

Peroxides, in general, are chemical compounds featuring a covalent bond between two oxygen atoms. Organic peroxides like cumene hydroperoxide are valuable as initiators for polymerization reactions.2

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peroxide
One category is represented by cumene hydroperoxide, an organic compound used as a polymerization initiator and as a source of phenol and acetone, and peroxysulfuric acid, an inorganic compound used as an oxidizing agent. The other category includes di-tert-butyl peroxide and ammonium peroxydisulfate, both used as initiators.
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One category is represented by cumene hydroperoxide, an organic compound used as a polymerization initiator and as a source of phenol and acetone, and peroxysulfuric acid, an inorganic compound used as an oxidizing agent. The other category includes di-tert-butyl peroxide and ammonium peroxydisulfate, both used as initiators.
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phenol
Oxidation of isopropylbenzene
Oxidation yields a hydroperoxide (cumene hydroperoxide), which undergoes acid-catalyzed rearrangement to phenol and acetone. Although this process seems more complicated than the Dow process, it is advantageous because it produces two valuable industrial products: phenol and acetone.
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Oxidation yields a hydroperoxide (cumene hydroperoxide), which undergoes acid-catalyzed rearrangement to phenol and acetone. Although this process seems more complicated than the Dow process, it is advantageous because it produces two valuable industrial products: phenol and acetone.
Read More