Ammonium persulfate - (NH4)2S2O8

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 is widely application 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

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 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.

Health hazards

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 fire. High risks of explosion when it comes in contact with reducing agents or combustible substances.