It has been suggested that one of the functions of the saccharin in anaerobic cure is to dissolve metal ions from the surfaces in order to catalyze the decomposition of CHP. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of a model anaerobic adhesive cured in contact with a metal surface indicates that trace amounts of metal or metal ions are found at the interface [19].
Studies of the oxygen absorption of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate indicate that the reaction is catalyzed by DMPT and by DMPT with saccharin. This oxygen absorption appears to be continuous, although the active oxygen content of the system appears to level off due to decomposition of the peroxide formed. Oxalic acid substantially inhibits the absorption of oxygen [20].