Characteristics of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) formed in 2-propanol

There have been several reports of explosions occurring as a result of handling aged 2-propanol. Several of these explosions have resulted in injuries. In some of these incidents, the formation of an explosive substance most commonly named TATP (triacetone triperoxide; 3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexoxonane) has been identified. Upon standing in the presence of air, it is known that 2-propanol under certain circumstances is inclined to form TATP; however, few studies have been carried out to determine its properties. Following a recent explosion in Norway involving 2-propanol, a noticeably large amount of a substance with a crystalline structure was discovered at the site of the accident. This substance was identified as TATP. The substance was analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and its sensitivity to friction was studied using the standardised BAM friction test. The study shows that TATP can be formed naturally in 2-propanol in the presence of air, and that its characteristics are similar to that of the traditionally laboratory synthesised substance. This implies that handling ageing 2-propanol containers could be associated with severe danger, as TATP formed in 2-propanol is found to be highly sensitive to external stimuli. This study addresses how TATP can form in 2-propanol in the presence of air, and ascertains its unique properties. TATP is a particularly hazardous explosive composition as it is extremely sensitive to mechanical impulses, such as impact and friction. • The explosive substance TATP can be formed naturally in 2-propanol • The formation of TATP in 2-propanol has resulted in several accidental explosions • The unique characteristics of TATP formed in 2-propanol has been investigated • TATP formed in 2-propanol was found to be extremely sensitive to external stimuli • Handling aged 2-propanol could be associated with severe danger