Potassium perchlorate (chemical formula: KClO₄) is a high-purity inorganic compound valued for its strong oxidizing properties, commonly supplied as a white crystalline powder—sometimes referenced as “quicksand” in industrial contexts. It is widely used across specialized sectors, adhering to strict quality benchmarks and supported by essential technical documentation (TDS/MSDS) for safe, compliant use. This article objectively outlines its core characteristics, technical specifications, application fields, and safety guidelines based on official product data.
Basic Properties and Core Traits
Potassium perchlorate’s chemical and physical attributes define its industrial relevance and handling requirements:
- Chemical Identification: Molecular formula KClO₄, with CAS No. 7778-74-7 and HS Code 2829900020, ensuring alignment with global trade and classification standards.
- Physical Appearance: Consistent white crystals or fine white powder, free of visible impurities in industrial-grade formulations.
- Purity Standard: Maintains a minimum purity of 99.2%, meeting the precision demands of applications dependent on stable oxidizing performance.
- Key Chemical Trait: Exhibits strong oxidizing capabilities, critical for energy-release and combustion processes, while remaining stable under controlled storage conditions.
- Solubility: Soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol—a property that influences its formulation and handling in industrial workflows.
Technical Specifications
Potassium perchlorate follows rigorous industrial parameters to ensure reliability and regulatory compliance. Key specifications include:
- Molecular Formula: KClO₄
- Physical Form: Solid (available as crystals or fine powder)
- Appearance: White crystal or white powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol
- CAS Number: 7778-74-7
- UN Number: 1489 (for international transport compliance)
- Hazard Class: 5.1 (oxidizing substance), requiring specialized handling to mitigate fire/explosion risks
- Packaging:
- Plastic-lined drums or woven bags, with two standard options: 50kg per drum/bag (gross weight: 53.4kg) and 25kg per bag.
- Container Loading Capacity: A 20ft container holds a maximum of 27 tons, regardless of pallet usage.
- Supporting Documentation: Supplied with TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to guide safe handling and regulatory adherence.
Industrial Application Fields
Leveraging its oxidizing properties, potassium perchlorate is integral to several specialized sectors:
- Pyrotechnics & Incendiaries: A core component in fireworks manufacturing, enabling controlled combustion and vibrant flame effects. It also supports production of incendiary devices and safety matches, ensuring reliable ignition.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in formulating antipyretic (fever-reducing) medications, where its chemical stability ensures consistent drug delivery.
- Signaling & Safety Devices: Incorporated into luminescent signals and smoke agents, providing steady light emission or smoke production for emergency communication.
- Chemical Analysis: Serves as a reagent in laboratory settings, delivering precise oxidizing conditions for detecting or quantifying target substances.
- Industrial Oxidation Processes: Functions as a high-performance oxidant in metallurgical operations and chemical synthesis, facilitating controlled energy release.
Safety, Storage, and Transportation Guidelines
As a Hazard Class 5.1 oxidizing substance, potassium perchlorate requires strict protocols to ensure safety:
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from ignition sources (sparks, open flames) and combustible materials (wood, oil, organic solvents) to prevent fire/explosion.
- Maintain tightly sealed containers to avoid moisture absorption (which may compromise stability) and contamination.
- Handling Precautions:
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks to prevent skin/eye contact or powder inhalation.
- Avoid mechanical impact or friction during handling—excessive force may trigger reactivity when in contact with organic materials.
- Transport Compliance:
- Adhere to UN 1489 regulations: use properly labeled packaging (Hazard Class 5.1), separate from incompatible cargo (reducing agents, flammables), and equip transport vehicles with dry chemical fire extinguishers (avoid large water quantities).
- Regulatory Note: Intended for legitimate industrial use only. Users must comply with local, national, and international laws governing oxidizing substances.
For detailed technical data, batch-specific documentation, or customization options, visit Potassium Perchlorate.
