Ammonium persulfate

Ammonium persulfate (CAS 7727-54-0), also known as APS and approved as E923, is a strong inorganic oxidizer.

Where is Ammonium persulfate used?

• Plastics and polymer production: free-radical polymerization initiator for acrylic, styrene, and vinyl-based monomers in emulsion and suspension systems
• Electronics: microetchant that cleans copper surfaces and roughens them before plating for adhesion in multilayer boards
• Textile and paper processing: bleaching of natural fibers and pulp without degrading substrate integrity
• Water treatment: oxidizing agent that breaks down organic contaminants and supports advanced oxidation processes
• It also serves as a bleaching agent and etchant.
• In the polymerization of acrylonitrile, usually together with alkali sulfites, in polyacrylonitrile fiber production, and in emulsion polymerization of monomers.
• Used in industrial cleaning applications.

Good to know: Handled according to strict safety protocols due to strong oxidizing properties and reactivity.

Formulation notes

• On heating, decomposes releasing toxic and corrosive fumes including ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.
• Spilled product must not be absorbed in sawdust or other combustible absorbents.

Typical specification

• Purity of 98.0% or more.
• A 10% solution has a pH between 3.0 and 4.0.
• Oxidation potential 2.1 V.

Regulatory status

• Classified as UN1444, Hazard Class 5.1, Oxidizer.
• Harmful if swallowed (H302).
• Classified under UN transport hazard class 5.1 with packing group III.
• Occupational exposure limit is a TLV of 0.1 mg/m³ as TWA.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store dry, well closed, and separated from combustible substances, reducing agents, metal powders, and strong bases.
• Available in 500 kg flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC).

Frequently asked questions about Ammonium persulfate

What is the harmonised EU CLP index number for ammonium persulfate?

It has the harmonised EU CLP index number 016-060-00-6.

Is ammonium persulfate listed in the ECHA REACH registered substances database?

It is listed in the ECHA REACH registered substances database.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.