Ammonium persulfate (CAS 7727-54-0)

Ammonium persulfate (APS) is the inorganic compound with the formula (NH4)2S2O8. It is a colourless (white) salt that is highly soluble in water, much more so than the related potassium salt. It is a strong oxidizing agent that is used in polymer chemistry, as an etchant, and as a cleaning and bleaching agent.

The dissolution of the salt in water is an endothermic process. As an oxidizing agent and a source of radicals, APS finds many commercial applications.

Salts of sulfate are mainly used as radical initiators in the polymerization of certain alkenes. Commercially important polymers prepared using persulfates include styrene-butadiene rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene.

Ammonium persulfate is a standard ingredient in hair bleach. Persulfates are used as oxidants in organic chemistry. For example, in the Minisci reaction.