Characteristic
Potassium persulfate is the inorganic compound with the formula K2S2O8. Also known as potassium peroxydisulfate or KPS, it is a white solid that is sparingly soluble in cold water, but dissolves better in warm water.
Chemical formula:K2S2O8
Molar mass:270.322 g/mol
Appearance:white powder
Odor:odorless
Density:2.477 g/cm3
Melting point:< 100 °C (212 °F; 373 K) (decomposes)
Solubility in water:1.75 g/100 mL (0 °C);4.49 g/100 ml (20 °C)
Solubility:insoluble in alcohol
Refractive index (nD):1.467
Crystal structure:triclinic
Application
A polymerization accelerant for PAGE gels. Potassium peroxydisulfate is used as an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis. It is involved in Elbs persulfate oxidation of phenols and the Boyland-Sims oxidation of anilines. Upon solution, it gives radicals and is used to initiate polymerization reactions to prepare styrene-butadiene rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene. It is used as bleaching agent in various hair bleaches, ion exchange agents, plating agents and surface treating agents.