Do you have a reference for the procedure? I'd love to know how to
convert a carbonate into a sulfate using hydrogen peroxide.

As for the peroxide/ether solution I would kill the peroxide with
aqueous sodium bisulfite or thiosulfate. As an alternative to ethereal
hydrogen peroxide there are organic hydroperoxides such as t-butyl
hydroperoxide but I'm not sure that would be any safer.

Thank you
Dave Lane

CSO Zyviva Labs

On 3/27/25 10:34 AM, Membership Chair wrote:
> *From:*Monona Rossol <actsnyc**At_Symbol_Here**cs.com>
> *Sent:* Thursday, March 27, 2025 4:57 AM
> *To:* Ralph Stuart <membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>
> *Subject:* Inquiry from an art conservator
>
> All y’all on the DCHAS list
>
> An art conservator contacted us with a question that is beyond us.  And
> there are so many on this forum endowed with wisdom on peroxide
> formation and disposal rules that I thought this would be the best place
> to post.  You can answer this email for the edification of all
> (preferred method) or contact me personally at actsnyc**At_Symbol_Here**cs.com
> <mailto:actsnyc**At_Symbol_Here**cs.com> and I’ll put you in touch with the conservator.
>
> I look forward to your help.
>
> Monona Rossol, President
> Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety
> New York NY 10012
>
> THE INQUIRY:   Thank you both for getting back to me so quickly! If you
> wouldn't mind, posting on the forum would be much appreciated. Here is
> the goal and the protocol:
>
> We would like to convert discolored white lead carbonate pigment into
> white lead sulfate using an ethereal hydrogen peroxide. The procedure
> for this was established in the 1990s to create a non-aqueous delivery
> method for the peroxide.
> Equal parts 20 volume hydrogen peroxide and diethyl ether are shaken
> together and then left to settle to separate the aqueous component. The
> ethereal hydrogen peroxide is then brushed onto the discolored lead sample.
>
> Questions: What should be done with the used peroxide and ether
> solution? How should we store the diethyl ether? Is there a form of
> diethyl ether that is safer to use/store?
>
> Our lab has one cabinet for flammables, one for corrosives (with two
> sides, acids and bases), and one vent to the outside that is connected
> to the flammables cabinet. We have two fume hoods, one ducted and one
> standalone. We have the Novec Fire Suppression system in our collection
> storage, but the rest of the lab is fire-extinguishers only. Our
> chemical disposal company has agreed they can take the diethyl ether
> wastes but have not specified whether it should be a separate waste
> stream or a specific container. Guidance would be much appreciated.
>
> Many thanks!
> -Joanna
>
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