Cumene hydroperoxide is a free radical initiator for production of acrylates.[5]
Cumene hydroperoxide is involved as an organic peroxide in the manufacturing of propylene oxide by the oxidation of propylene. This technology was commercialized by Sumitomo Chemical.[6]
The oxidation by cumene hydroperoxide of propylene affords propylene oxide and the byproduct 2-phenyl-2-propanol. The reaction follows this stoichiometry:
CH 3CHCH 2 + C 6H 5(CH 3) 2COOH → CH 3CHCH 2O + C 6H 5(CH 3) 2COH
^Roger A. Sheldon (1983). Patai, Saul (ed.). Syntheses and Uses of Hydroperoxides and Dialkylperoxides. PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. John Wiley & Sons. doi:10.1002/9780470771730.ch6.