Ammonium Persulphate

Other names: Ammonium persulphate, Diammonium peroxodisulphate, Diammonium peroxodisulphate

Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)

Ammonium Persulfate, also known as Ammonium Persulfate, Diammonium peroxodisulphate or Diammonium Peroxodisulfate, is an inorganic substance characterized by a white crystalline structure. This substance is one of the most commonly used initiating agents for emulsion polymerisation. Ammonium Persulfate is also used as a strong oxidizing agent in many laboratory applications, including molecular biology for the preparation of DNA electrophoresis solutions.

In industry, ammonium persulfate is often used in the production of paints, adhesives, rubber and plastics because it promotes the formation of polymers. It is also a component of some bleaching and cleaning agents, due to its strong oxidizing properties. Other uses include the production of printed circuit board prints in the electronics industry, where it serves as an etching agent. In the cosmetics industry, it can be encountered by professionals in the production of hair bleaching or teeth whitening products. Precautions are necessary when handling this chemical because of its irritant properties and the possibility of causing an allergic reaction.