Their explosive nature makes safety the most serious issue when handling peroxide-containing solvent. Also, peroxides in any solution can react with analytes or degrade column packing materials when used in liquid chromatography mobile phases. To minimize peroxide-related problems, purchase ethers in quantities small enough to ensure their use within 30 days after opening. As an added safety precaution, test the solvent for peroxides prior to use. A colorless or faint yellow solution indicates low-level peroxide contamination, but a dark yellow or brown color indicates significant peroxide levels.
Solvent manufacturers employ several procedures to minimize ether degradation.
One method is to eliminate one or more of the sources leading to free radical formation. Manufacturers blanket the solvent with inert gas during bottling to remove oxygen and use amber bottles to shield the solvent from UV light. These packaging techniques protect the solvent until the bottle is opened. Another method to extend solvent shelf life involves adding stabilizers. This solvent will readily form reactive and hazardous peroxides.