Potassium persulfate

Agent Name
Potassium persulfate
CAS Number
7727-21-1
Formula
O8-S2.2K
Major Category
Other Classes
Potassium persulfate formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Peroxydisulfuric acid, dipotassium salt; Anthion; Dipotassium peroxydisulfate; Dipotassium persulfate; Peroxydisulfuric acid (((HO)S(O)2)2O2), dipotassium salt; Potassium peroxydisulfate; Potassium peroxydisulfate (K2(S2O8)); Potassium peroxydisulphate; [ChemIDplus] UN1492
Category
Inorganic Oxidizing Agents
Description
Colorless to white, odorless solid; [Merck Index] Decomposes below 100 deg C; [CAMEO] Hygroscopic; [CHEMINFO] Colorless or white solid; Soluble in water; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used to make soap (bleaching), promote polymerization, condition flour, and modify starch; Also used as a reducing agent in photography, a desizing agent in textiles, and an oxidizing agent for dyes; [HSDB]
Comments
Frequent skin rashes are reported in workers exposed to persulfates (S2O8). Rats inhaling 4-20 mg/m3 of ammonium persulfate 23.5 hours/day for 7 days show signs of lung inflammation and loss of body weight. The TLV is proposed to reduce irritation of skin, throat, and respiratory tract. [ACGIH] May cause skin sensitization; [CHEMINFO] May cause respiratory sensitization; [eChemPortal: NICNAS] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause skin sensitization, dermatitis, and asthma after prolonged contact; "May cause general allergic reaction, like urticaria or shock." [ICSC] An irritant; May cause skin and respiratory sensitization after prolonged contact; [MSDSonline] It may induce either Type I reactions (urticaria, anaphylaxis, and asthma) or Type IV reactions (allergic contact dermatitis). [Kanerva, p. 1514] See "Ammonium persulfate."
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
0.1 mg/m3, as S2O8
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) > 10,725 mg/m3/4h
NFPA
will not burn

Adverse Effects

Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Asthma
Yes

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: