Ammonium perchlorate

Use

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, AMMONIUM PERCHLORATE 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.