This present invention provides materials for use as solid or concentrated chemical precursors for the production of organic peroxy acids (peracids). Organic peroxy acids are formed using a precursor according to the invention when they are combined with hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide precursor such as a percarbonate or a perborate in aqueous medium. Organic peroxy acids, such as peroxyacetic acid, are used currently to disinfect medical equipment such as endoscopes and related items.