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.
Table of Contents
- Structure of Ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8
- Chemical data of Ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8
- Preparation of Ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8
- Health Hazards
- Uses of Ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8
- FAQs
Ammonium persulfate structure – (NH4)2S2O8
Chemical data of Ammonium persulfate – (NH4)2S2O8
| (NH4)2S2O8 | Ammonium persulfate |
| Molecular weight of (NH4)2S2O8 | 228.18 g/mol |
| Density of Ammonium persulfate | 1.98 g/cm3 |
| Flash point of Ammonium persulfate | Non-flammable |
| Melting Point of Ammonium persulfate | 120 °C |
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 a fire. High risks of explosion when it comes in contact with reducing agents or combustible substances.
(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.
Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of (NH4)2S2O8 from the experts at BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is ammonium persulfate used for?
Ammonium persulfate is used as a bleaching agent, olefin polymerization as an initiator, photography, hair bleach and batteries. Ammonium persulfate is also used to wash infected yeast, food preservatives and printed circuit boards.
How do you get 10% ammonium persulfate?
We can get 10% of ammonium persulphate by dissolving 1gm of ammonium persulphate in 10 mL of water.
Where do you store ammonium persulfate?
Ammonium persulphate is stored at room temperature (15-30 °C) in desiccate.
Why is ammonium persulfate used in SDS PAGE?
Ammonium persulfate is used with TEMED (Tetramethylethylenediamine) as a catalyst for polymerization of acrylamide when preparing sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE).
Is ammonium persulfate toxic?
Inhaling ammonium persulfates causes mild toxic effects. Contact with dust irritates the eyes and causes skin rashes. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency.
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