What is Ammonium persulfate?
(NH4)2S2O8 is an inorganic compound with chemical name Ammonium persulfate. It is also called Ammonium peroxydisulfate or Diammonium persulfate or Diammonium peroxydisulfate. It has a wide range of applications in polymer chemistry, as a bleaching agent, cleaning, and an etchant.
Diammonium peroxydisulfate is an odourless crystalline solid which is white in colour. It is readily soluble in water and a strong oxidizing agent.
Properties of Ammonium persulfate – (NH4)2S2O8
|Molecular weight of (NH4)2S2O8||228.18 g/mol|
|Density of Ammonium persulfate||1.98 g/dm3|
|Flash point of Ammonium persulfate||Non-flammable|
|Melting Point of Ammonium persulfate||120 °C|
Ammonium persulfate structure – (NH4)2S2O8
(NH4)2S2O8 Uses (Ammonium persulfate)
- Ammonium persulfate is used in hydrogen peroxide bleaching as an additive.
- Used in printed circuit boards.
- Used in olefin polymerization as an initiator.
- Used in photography.
- Used as an additive to preserve food.
- Used as an oxidising agent.
- Used to wash infected yeast.
- Used to remove pyrogallol stains.
- Used as a depolarizer in batteries.
- Used as a common ingredient in hair bleach.
Production of Ammonium persulfate
Ammonium peroxydisulfate is obtained by the process of electrolysis with a cold concentrated solution of ammonium bisulfate or ammonium sulfate in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at a high density. Hugh Marshall was the first to describe this method.
Inhaling Diammonium persulfate causes mild toxic effects. Contact with dust irritates the eyes and cause skin rashes.
When this compound is heated toxic oxides of sulfuric acid and nitrogen fumes may be liberated. It is a non-combustible compound but accelerates combustion of other substances. Produces irritating toxic fumes in a fire. High risks of explosion when it comes in contact with reducing agents or combustible substances.
Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of (NH4)2S2O8 from the experts at BYJU’S.