FDA Drug Safety Communication.
2 C6H5COCl + H2O2 + 2 NaOH → (C6H5CO)2O2 + 2 NaCl + 2 H2OThe oxygen–oxygen bond in peroxides is weak. Thus, benzoyl peroxide readily undergoes homolysis (symmetrical fission), forming free radicals:

(C6H5CO)2O2 → 2 C6H5CO•2The symbol • indicates that the products are radicals; i.e., they contain at least one unpaired electron. Such species are highly reactive. The homolysis is usually induced by heating. The half-life of benzoyl peroxide is one hour at 92 °C. At 131 °C, the half-life is one minute. References
External links
"Benzoyl peroxide". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. International Chemical Safety Card 0225
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0052". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). SIDS Initial Assessment Report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Organic Peroxide Producers Safety Division (OPPSD)