The paper reports the synthesis of an explosive peroxide using sodium perborate (SPB) and sodium percarbonate (SPC) as alternatives to hydrogen peroxide, a well-known explosives precursor. It has been reported that the oxidising agents used in the synthesis can replace hydrogen peroxide in some reactions. Consequently, we tried to assess the threat of using those substances being used for the unlawful manufacture of explosive peroxides. We have found that both SPB and SPC, allow producing the explosive peroxides with good yields and purity, as confirmed by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as by HPLC and controlled burning experiments.
