Ammonium perchlorate

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Properties

General

Name Ammonium perchlorate
Chemical formula NH₄ ClO₄
Appearance White solid/crystalline texture

Physical

Formula weight 117.5 amu
Decomposition Two-Steps Decomposition:
First Step at 595 K (322 °C)
Second Step at 750 K (477 °C)
Density 2.0 ×10³ kg/m³
Crystal structure Orthorombic up to 522 K
Cubic from 522 K to decomposition
Solubility ?

Thermochemistry

Δ_fH⁰_solid -295.77 kJ/mol
S⁰_solid 184.18 J/mol·K

Safety

NFPA 704
DOT Classes
Ingestion Gastrointestinal irritation can occur.
Inhalation May cause respiratory tract irritation or pulmonary edema.
Skin May cause irritation.
Eyes Irritation, chance of more serious problems.
More info [Hazardous Chemical Database]
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used.
Disclaimer and references

**Properties**
General
Name	Ammonium perchlorate
Chemical formula	NH₄ ClO₄
Appearance	White solid/crystalline texture
Physical
Formula weight	117.5 amu
Decomposition	Two-Steps Decomposition: First Step at 595 K (322 °C) Second Step at 750 K (477 °C)
Density	2.0 ×10³ kg/m³
Crystal structure	Orthorombic up to 522 K Cubic from 522 K to decomposition
Solubility	?
Thermochemistry
Δ_fH⁰_solid	-295.77 kJ/mol
S⁰_solid	184.18 J/mol·K
Safety
NFPA 704
DOT Classes
Ingestion	Gastrointestinal irritation can occur.
Inhalation	May cause respiratory tract irritation or pulmonary edema.
Skin	May cause irritation.
Eyes	Irritation, chance of more serious problems.
More info	[Hazardous Chemical Database]
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references

Ammonium perchlorate is a chemical compound with the formula N H₄Cl O₄. It is the salt of ammonia and perchloric acid. Like other perchlorates, it is a powerful oxidizer.

This salt generates toxic gas and extremely high temperature elevation following its decomposition.

It is produced by reaction between ammonia and perchloric acid, or by double decomposition between an ammonium salt and sodium perchlorate.

It crystallises in colorless rhombohedra with a relative density of 1.95. It is the least soluble of all ammonium salts with 20 g in 100 g water at 0 °C, due to the large size of the anion. Like all ammonium salts, it decomposes before fusion. Mild heating results in chlorine, nitrogen, oxygen and water, while strong heating may lead to explosions.

It is an important oxidizer used in solid rocket propellants, such as the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters, as well as many other solid rockets including some fireworks, amateur and hobby high power rockets, and larger rockets used for space launch and military purposes.

The PEPCON disaster happened at an ammonium perchlorate manufacturing plant. The resulting explosions measured 3.5 on the Richter scale.

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