The questions below are the ones we most frequently encounter from customers about our Vazo® products.

They exhibit low to moderate toxicity. However, tetramethylsuccinonitrile (TMSN), a by-product of Vazo® 64, is highly toxic. The properties of TMSN should be discussed with a DuPont Technical Service Representative before attempting to use Vazo® 64. Vazo® 67 is a safer alternative. For comparison, the oral toxicity data of Vazo® products and their decomposition products are shown in the table below. For all grades except Vazo® 67, the quantities represent approximate lethal dose (ALD); for Vazo® 67, the quantities are the lethal dose for 50% of test animals.

Approximately Oral Toxicity in Rats (mg/kg) Product Azo

Yes! Vazo® free radical sources may decompose violently if stored above the recommended temperatures. Product quality is also maintained when Vazo® free radical sources are stored properly.

For safety, the maximum storage temperatures are as follows: Vazo® 52 (10°C [50°F]); Vazo® 64 and Vazo® 67 (24°C [75°F]); Vazo® 88 (35°C [95°F]); and Vazo® 56 WSP, Vazo® 56 WSW, and Vazo® 68 WSP (40°C [104°F]). These temperatures ensure a 3-month shelf life; colder temperatures will extend shelf life. Vazo® products should never be stored at temperatures higher than those listed here.

Yes! Airborne dust will form explosive mixtures in air.

Among other advantages, water-soluble grades of Vazo® (56 WSP, 56 WSW, and 68 WSP) offer narrow molecular weight distribution and minimal branching. They are also sulfur-free. Although used predominantly in an emulsion polymerization mechanism, water-soluble grades of Vazo® can also be used in solution polymerization.