Potassium perchlorate
Agent Name
Potassium perchlorate
CAS Number
7778-74-7
Formula
Cl-O4.K
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Astrumal; Irenal; Irenat; Perchloric acid, potassium salt (1:1); Peroidin; Potassium hyperchloride; KClO4; Spectrex Fire Extinguishant Formulation A; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Perchlorates
Description
Colorless crystals or white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air; [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
Used in explosives, fireworks, rocket propellants, life-support systems for generating oxygen, and photography; Used as an oxidizing agent and laboratory reagent; [CHEMINFO] Used to make airbags for automobiles; [Luttrell, p. 132]
Comments
Concentrated solutions are probably not irritating to the skin; May induce methemoglobinemia after ingestion; A strong oxidizer that is explosive when mixed with combustible materials releasing toxic gases including chlorine and hydrogen chloride; [CHEMINFO] Decomposes on heating to produce chlorine and chloroxides; [ICSC] See "PERCHLORATES."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
2.07E-16 mm Hg
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is secondary toxic effect
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: