What Is Ammonium Perchlorate?
Ammonium perchlorate, an inorganic compound with the formula NH4ClO4, is produced by reacting perchloric acid and ammonia or adding ammonium chloride to a sodium perchlorate solution. As a potent oxidizing agent containing nitrogen and hydrogen, it is an efficient propellant in explosives and rockets, minimizing waste.
Uses of Ammonium Perchlorate
Its primary use is as an oxidizer in explosives, fireworks, and rocket propellants.
1. Explosives
Used as an oxidizer in Carlit, an industrial explosive, combined with silicon iron and wood powder for combustion.
2. Fireworks
It produces a bright white light when mixed with aluminum and magnesium powders, making it ideal for fireworks, distress signals, and flares.
3. Rocket Propellant
Ammonium perchlorate is a preferred oxidizer in solid-fuel rockets, offering high efficiency but producing toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride upon combustion.
Properties of Ammonium Perchlorate
1. Appearance and Solubility
This colorless or white crystalline solid is odorless, water-soluble, partially soluble in acetone, and insoluble in ether. Its stability in neutral solutions poses environmental risks.
2. Oxidizing Power
The high oxidation state of chlorine in perchlorates provides significant oxidizing power, with ammonium perchlorate being particularly reactive due to its ammonia content.
3. Explosion Hazard
Dry ammonium perchlorate is highly explosive and can be less so when stabilized with water. It remains explosive with organic materials and combustible metals.
4. Heating and Fire Hazard
Begins decomposing around 150°C, with thermal decomposition risking explosion. Organic materials, reducing agents, and physical shocks increase fire risks, producing toxic gases.
Other Information on Ammonium Perchlorate
1. Hazards and Toxicity
Classified by GHS as an explosive, oxidizing solid, with skin, eye, and respiratory irritants.
2. Related Laws and Regulations
Regulated under various laws for its hazardous and oxidizing properties, but not classified as a poisonous and deleterious substance.