Substance profile
Potassium Perchlorate
Potassium Perchlorate is colorless crystals or white, crystalline powder.
01 · Identification
What Potassium Perchlorate is
Potassium Perchlorate is colorless crystals or white, crystalline powder. It melts at 525 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
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.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Potassium 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 | 525 °C (977 °F) | HSDB | |
| 400 °C (752 °F) | decomposes | DrugBank | |
| Density | 2.53 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 2.5 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 2.52 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | SOL IN 65 PARTS COLD WATER, 15 PARTS BOILING WATER; PRACTICALLY INSOL IN ALCOHOL | HSDB | |
| INSOL IN ETHER | HSDB | ||
| In water, 15 g/l at 25 °C. | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | THERE HAVE BEEN THREE INDUSTRIAL EXPLOSIONS INVOLVING PHOTOFLASH COMPOSITION CONTAINING POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE WITH ALUMINUM & MAGNESIUM POWDERS. | HSDB | |
| ACTION AT LOW PRESSURE OF FLUORINE ON POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE PRODUCES FLUORINE PERCHLORATE, WHICH IS VERY UNSTABLE & EXPLODES EASILY. | HSDB | ||
| POWDERED MAGNESIUM PLUS POTASSIUM... PERCHLORATE IS FRICTION-SENSITIVE EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Potassium Perchlorate
Storage conditions
OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES SHOULD...NOT BE STORED ALONGSIDE COMBUSTIBLE SUBSTANCES SUCH AS ORGANIC MATERIALS & METAL POWDERS &...SHOULD NOT BE KEPT NEAR REDUCING AGENTS.../THEY SHOULD BE SEGREGATED/ FROM ALL OTHER MATERIALS IN SUITABLE CONTAINERS IN FIRE-RESISTING STORE WHERE THEY CANNOT ACCIDENTALLY COME IN CONTACT WITH WATER. /OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE is a strong oxidizing agent. Explosively decomposes at or over 400 °C. Decomposed by organic matter (reducible material) and on concussion [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Mixture with powdered magnesium is a friction-sensitive explosive [Safety Eng. Reports 1947]. Incompatible with reducing agents, such as: metal powders, aluminum, titanium, barium, magnesium, nickel, various metal hydrides, and sulfur.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Potassium Perchlorate in the storage compatibility matrix →