Description
Sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) is a white, odorless crystalline solid that is the sodium salt of peroxydisulfuric acid. It is a powerful oxidizing agent, which means it readily accepts electrons in chemical reactions. This property makes it a key component in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
Basic Chemical Information
| Chemical formula: | Na₂S₂O₈ |
| Molar mass: | 238.10 g/mol |
| Appearance: | White crystalline powder |
| Density: | 2.60 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | ~180°C (decomposes) |
| Solubility in water: | 55.6 g/100 mL at 20°C |
| pH (1% solution): | ~3.5–3.8 |
Key Uses
Polymerization Initiator: Sodium persulfate is widely used as a radical initiator for emulsion polymerization reactions, particularly for the production of polymers like styrene-butadiene rubber and acrylics. It initiates the process by generating free radicals, which cause monomer molecules to link together to form long polymer chains.
Electronics Industry: It is a common etchant for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Its strong oxidizing ability allows it to precisely remove unwanted copper from the board, leaving behind the desired circuit patterns.
Hair and Cosmetics: Due to its bleaching properties, it’s used in hair bleaches and hair dyes to lighten hair color. It’s also found in some skincare products as a mild oxidizing agent.
Water Treatment: It’s utilized in water and soil remediation to break down and eliminate organic contaminants and pollutants.
Textile Industry: It’s used as a bleaching, desizing, and desulfurizing agent in textile manufacturing.
Grades
Sodium persulfate is available in different grades depending on its intended use:
Technical/Industrial Grade: This is the most common grade, typically with a purity of 98% or higher. It’s suitable for most large-scale industrial applications like those in the electronics and polymer industries.
Reagent Grade: With a higher purity, often specified at ≥98%, this grade meets stricter quality control standards and is used for laboratory and analytical purposes.
Cosmetic Grade: This grade is specifically produced for use in personal care products and is tested to ensure it meets safety and purity standards for cosmetic applications.
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