Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

A(n) _________ is any organic compound containing two joined oxygen atoms. This substance is highly explosive and sensitive to shock.

1. Oxidizer

2. Explosive

3. Organic peroxide

4. Flammable

The correct answer is: Organic peroxide

The correct response highlights the definition of an organic peroxide. Organic peroxides are indeed a class of organic compounds that contain a functional group composed of two oxygen atoms (–O–O–) bonded together. This structural feature is what makes them particularly reactive and often leads to explosive characteristics when they undergo decomposition. In addition to being sensitive to shock, organic peroxides can pose significant hazards in manufacturing and handling situations due to their potential to react violently. This emphasizes the importance of proper training and strict safety protocols when dealing with these substances in any industrial context. The term "oxidizer" refers to substances that can provide oxygen to support the combustion of other materials, but this does not specifically denote the two-oxygen structure necessary to classify a compound as an organic peroxide. A general "explosive" refers to a broader category that does not necessarily imply being an organic compound with a specific oxygen structure. "Flammable" describes materials that can easily ignite and catch fire, but again lacks the specificity that points to the structural characteristics of organic peroxides.