Potassium Persulfate

K₂S₂O₈

IUPAC: Potassium peroxodisulfate

CAS: 7727-21-1

Overview

Potassium persulfate is a powerful oxidizer used to initiate free radical polymerization and as a PCB etchant. It decomposes to release sulfate radicals.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Oxygen O 8 15.9990
Sulfur S 2 32.0600
Potassium K 2 39.0980

Elemental Composition

O
Oxygen ×8
47.3%
S
Sulfur ×2
23.7%
K
Potassium ×2
28.9%

Uses

  • • Polymerization initiator
  • • PCB etching
  • • Hair bleaching
  • • Soil remediation

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Used in virtually every hair bleaching product as the oxidizing agent

Safety

  • ⚠ Oxidizer
  • ⚠ Skin sensitizer
  • ⚠ Irritant

Structure

SMILES

[O-]S(=O)(=O)OOS(=O)(=O)[O-].[K+].[K+]

Properties

Type
inorganic
State
solid
Molar Mass
270.32 g/mol
Density
2.4770 g/cm³
Solubility
52 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
269.8309
TPSA
150.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
8
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
12
Complexity
206.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Chloride

AlCl₃

Aluminum Nitride

AlN

Ammonium Persulfate

(NH₄)₂S₂O₈

Arsine

AsH₃

Barium Ferrite

BaFe₁₂O₁₉

Barium Titanate

BaTiO₃

Boron Nitride

BN

Boron Trichloride

BCl₃

Calcium Aluminate Cement

CaO·Al₂O₃

Calcium Carbide

CaC₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Persulfate?
Potassium Persulfate (K₂S₂O₈) is a inorganic compound with the IUPAC name Potassium peroxodisulfate.
What is the molecular weight of Potassium Persulfate?
Potassium Persulfate has a molar mass of 270.32 g/mol.
What state is Potassium Persulfate at room temperature?
Potassium Persulfate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Potassium Persulfate organic or inorganic?
Potassium Persulfate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Potassium Persulfate?
Potassium Persulfate (K₂S₂O₈) is composed of Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), Potassium (K).