Potassium persulfate

Potassium persulfate (CAS 7727-21-1, EC 231-781-8, formula K2S2O8) is an inorganic oxidizing salt also known as dipotassium persulfate, potassium peroxodisulfate, and potassium peroxydisulfate. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 28334000 within the oxidizers and peroxides category.

In emulsion polymerization, potassium persulfate acts as a free-radical initiator, decomposing thermally to generate sulfate radicals that drive chain-growth reactions in acrylic and styrene-butadiene systems. In textile and paper processing, it functions as a bleaching agent by releasing active oxygen to break chromophore bonds, and in water treatment it serves as an oxidative biocide targeting microbial cell structures.

Potassium persulfate is supplied as a technical-grade crystalline solid and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Buyers should confirm purity specifications and SDS documentation prior to procurement, as handling classifications apply under CLP regulation.