Potassium Perchlorate (CAS No. 7778-74-7)

Potassium perchlorate is an inorganic salt widely used as a strong oxidizer in various industrial, pyrotechnic, and medical applications. It is a white crystalline powder with the chemical formula KClO₄.

Control project

Type Ⅱ
appearance

white crystalline powder
potassium perchlorate(KCLO4) , ω/ %   ≥

99.0
moisture, ω/ %   ≤

0.03
chloride(KCL), ω/ %   ≤

0.10
chlorate(KCLO3) , ω/ %    ≤

0.15
hypochlorite(CL)

pass the test
bromate(KBrO3), ω/ %   ≤

－
sodium(NaCLO4), ω/ %  ≤

－
Calcium magnesium salt(O2), ω/ %

－
  water insoluble, ω/ %

－
ferrum (Fe), ω/ %

－
PH 

－
Size:
pass rateω/ %

420um test sieve

－

180um test sieve

－

150um test sieve

99.0

75um test sieve

－

Production

Industrially produced by treating sodium perchlorate solution with potassium chloride, leveraging the low solubility of KClO₄ compared to NaClO₄. Other methods include electrolysis of potassium chlorate or reaction of perchloric acid with potassium hydroxide (less common due to hazards).

Uses

  • Pyrotechnics and Explosives: Primary oxidizer in fireworks, flash powders (e.g., with aluminum), rocket propellants, ammunition primers, and black powder substitutes like Pyrodex (15–40% composition). Produces intense purple flames from potassium.
  • Medicine: Antithyroid agent for hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves’ disease) by inhibiting iodide uptake in the thyroid. Doses: historically 600–2000 mg/day; modern: 500 mg twice daily for short periods. Also used in thyroid function tests.
  • Other: Accelerator in combustion reactions; environmental contaminant from aerospace activities.

Safety and Toxicity

Classified as a strong oxidizer (GHS: Danger; H271: May cause fire/explosion; H302: Harmful if swallowed; H335: May cause respiratory irritation). NFPA 704: Health 2, Flammability 0, Instability 1, Special (oxidizer). Forms explosive mixtures with combustibles; keep away from reducing agents.

  • Toxicity: Goitrogenic; inhibits thyroid function at high doses (>7 μg/kg/day perchlorate), potentially causing hypothyroidism. Oral LD50 (rat): ~2000 mg/kg. No major abnormalities in workers at low exposure levels due to short half-life (~8 hours).
  • Handling: Wear protective gear; UN 1489 for transport.