Substance profile
Ammonium perchlorate
Ammonium perchlorate is white orthorhombic crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Ammonium perchlorate is
Ammonium perchlorate is white orthorhombic crystals and is odorless. It melts at 130 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 4th degree.
Other names for Ammonium perchlorate
- [containing ≥ 80 % of 0-30 µm particles]
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H201 | Explosive; mass explosion hazard. |
| H271 | May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser. |
Precautionary statements: P210
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ammonium perchlorate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 130 °C (266 °F) | HSDB | |
| MP: Decomposes, explodes | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.95 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.95 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | In water, 2.0X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| In water, 2.45X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 2.49X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | Very low | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 240 °C (464 °F) | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Severe explosion hazard. ... Explodes at 380 °C. | at 380 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Ammonium perchlorate
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
Strong oxidizer. Heat or shock may cause explosion. Combustion by-products include oxides of nitrogen, ammonia, hydrogen chloride. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ammonium perchlorate
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Strongly oxidizing hazardous materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong reducing agents, strong acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
AMMONIUM PERCHLORATE is a strong oxidizing agent. Decomposes at 130 °C and explodes at 380 °C [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:608 1956]. Explosions have occurred in propellant formulations containing ammonium perchlorate to which ferrocene has been added as a burning rate catalyst. Although the cause was not been definitely established, it was most probably frictional heating from dragging a spatula through the mixture [ASESB Expl. Report 211 1966]. Can explode when mixed with sugar, charcoal or on contact with hot copper pipes. Becomes impact-sensitive when contaminated by powdered carbon, ferrocene, sulfur, or other reducing materials such as organic matter or powdered metals.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ammonium perchlorate in the storage compatibility matrix →