General Description
A white crystalline solid. A strong oxidizing agent. Does not burn readily, but may cause spontaneous ignition of organic materials. Used as a bleaching agent and as a food preservative.
Reactivity Profile
AMMONIUM PERSULFATE(7727-54-0) is a potent oxidizing agent. A powdered mixture with aluminum and water can explode [NFPA 491M 1991]. A mixture with sodium peroxide will explode if subjected to friction (crushing in a mortar), heating, or if a stream of carbon dioxide is passed over AMMONIUM PERSULFATE(7727-54-0) [Mellor 10:464 1946-47]. Acidic solutions dissolve iron violently, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 470].
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Hazard
Fire risk in contact with reducers.
Health Hazard
Inhalation produces slight toxic effects. Contact with dust irritates eyes and causes skin rash.
Potential Exposure
It is used as a bleaching agent, in photographic
chemicals, and to make dyes. It is also used as an
ingredient of polymerization catalysts.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If
this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin
rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation
mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart
action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention.
Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do
not make an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation
is recommended; effects may be delayed.
Shipping
UN1444 Ammonium persulfate, Hazard Class:
5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer
Incompatibilities
Decomposes in water and moist air,
forming oxygen gas. A strong oxidizer; reacts with reducing
agents; organic and combustible materials. Incompatible with heat, sodium peroxide (produces a friction-, heat-, and
water-sensitive explosive); aluminum powder.
Description
Persulfates are strong oxidizing agents widely used in
the production of metals, textiles, photographs, cellophane,
rubber, adhesive papers, foods, soaps, detergents
and hair bleaches. Ammonium persulfate is used
as a hair bleaching agent. It may induce irritant
dermatitis, contact urticaria and allergic contact dermatitis
and represents a major allergen in hairdressers.
Waste Disposal
May be treated with large
volumes of water, neutralized and flushed to sewer. This
applies to small quantities only.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Purification Methods
Recrystallise it at room temperature from EtOH/water. It gradually loses NH3 on exposure to air. Its solubility is 0.5g/mL at 20o, and 2g/mL at 100o.