A systematic evaluation was performed to evaluate the thermal stability for a series of pyridine substituted oximes and tosyl oximes. This investigation, utilizing DSC and ARC, commenced after finding a surprising result during standard thermal screening of a tosyl oxime indicating high thermal potential energies and low onset temperature. Onset temperatures in the range of 40-50 degreesC were detected for tosyl oximes as measured by ARC. In addition this class of compounds exhibited some sensitivity to impact and may in fact exhibit explosive properties. As a result of this study a better understanding was obtained for the thermal potential and shock sensitivity properties of these materials. In general, a thorough process safety testing and evaluation should be performed when working with oximes. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All tights reserved.