Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Ammonium perchlorate
|
General |
|
|---|---|
| Name | Ammonium perchlorate |
| Chemical formula | NH4ClO4 |
| Appearance | White solid |
|
Physical |
|
| Formula weight | 117.5 amu |
| Melting point | Decomposes at 513 K (240 °C) |
| Density | 2.0 ×103 kg/m3 |
| Crystal structure | ? |
| Solubility | ? |
|
Thermochemistry |
|
| ΔfH0solid | -295.77 kJ/mol |
| S0solid | 184.18 J/mol·K |
|
Safety | |
| 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. | |
Ammonium perchlorate is a chemical compound with the formula NH4ClO4. It is the salt of ammonia and perchloric acid. Like other perchlorates, it is a powerful oxidizer.
This salt is used as an explosive in mining, due to the low temperature elevation that follows 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 rhomboedres with a relative density of 1.95. It is the least soluble of all ammonia salts with 20 g in 100g water at 0°C. It decomposes before fusion.
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, amatuer and hobby high power rockets, and larger rockets used for space launch and military purposes.
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