Ammonium perchlorate

Properties

General
Name	Ammonium perchlorate
Chemical formula	NH4ClO4
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
ΔfH0solid	-295.77 kJ/mol
S0solid	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 NH₄ClO₄. 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.