Oxidizers & Peroxides
REACH
Potassium persulfate
CAS Number
7727-21-1
EC Number
231-781-8
Abbreviation
KPS
What is Potassium persulfate?
Potassium persulfate (CAS 7727-21-1), also known as KPS and E922, is an inorganic oxidizing agent used in polymer manufacturing and bleaching.
Where is Potassium persulfate used?
- Polymerization: free-radical initiator for acrylic, styrene-butadiene, and vinyl acetate-based polymers
- Personal care: activates oxidative lightening in hair bleaching and color formulations
- Textile and paper: bleaches fibers and pulp before dyeing or coating
- Water treatment: oxidant for organic contaminants
- It also serves as a persulfate-based activator in advanced oxidation processes.
Good to know: Potassium peroxodisulfate is the preferred IUPAC-aligned term in European technical and regulatory contexts; Anthion appears in some legacy industrial references for surface treatment.
Commercial specifications
- Purity typically 99% and above for technical and high-purity grades
- Food-grade material conforming to E922 specifications
Other Names (Synonyms)
Potassium peroxydisulfate|Anthion|Potassium peroxodisulfate|Potassium peroxydisulphate|Dipotassium peroxydisulfate|Dipotassium persulfate|potassium persulphate|Peroxydisulfuric acid, dipotassium salt|KPS|E922
What are the physical properties of Potassium persulfate?
Melting Point 14 °C
Boiling Point 141 °C
Density 2.477 g/cm³
Appearance Potassium persulfate is a colorless or white, odorless crystalline material.
Color White
Odor Odorless
Form Solid
Water Solubility 5 g/100 mL (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0Pa at 25℃
pH 3.2 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P -1 at 20℃
How is Potassium persulfate classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS03· Oxidizing GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H272 May intensify fire; oxidizer
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H315 Causes skin irritation
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P220 Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Potassium persulfate?
HS Code 28334000
UN Number 1492
ADR Class 5.1
Packing Group III
Storage Class 5.1B - Oxidizing hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 1