Potassium peroxymonosulfate (KHS05), also known as potassium monopersulfate, is an inorganic compound used widely as an oxidizing agent. Its chemical formula is KHSO5 and its CAS number is 10058-23-8. The compound exists as colorless crystalline solid at room temperature. When dissolved in water, it readily dissociates into potassium (K+), hydrogen sulfate (HSO5-), and sulfate (SO42-) ions. KHS05 has a molecular weight of 248.2 g/mol and melting point of 57-59°C. Being a persulfate salt, it is a potent source of active oxygen and sulfate free radicals that make it highly reactive.
Oxidation Reactions Catalyzed by Potassium Peroxymonosulfate
As an oxidizing agent, KHS05 can oxidize a variety of organic and inorganic compounds. Some Potassium Peroxymonosulfate reactions catalyzed by it include:
- Oxidation of sulfides to sulfonates. KHS05 can oxidize hydrogen sulfide, sodium sulfide, and other sulfides to the corresponding sulfonates in aqueous alkaline media. This reaction finds application in odor control processes.
- Oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds. Primary and secondary alcohols can be selectively oxidized to aldehydes and ketones, respectively, when reacted with KHS05 under controlled conditions.
- Oxidation of amines to nitro compounds. Amines get converted to nitro derivatives upon treatment with KHS05 in the presence of catalysts like tetrabutylammonium bromide.
- Cleavage of anthraquinone dyes. The aromatic ring of various mono-substituted anthraquinone dyes can be cleaved through oxidative fission using KHS05 under acidic conditions.
- Bleaching of wood pulp. KHS05 acts as an effective bleaching agent for removing lignin and residual colors from wood pulp during the papermaking process.
Applications of Potassium Peroxymonosulfate in Various Industries
Owing to its selective oxidation ability, KHS05 finds wide usage across many industries for processes like wastewater treatment, organic synthesis, bleaching, etc. Some major application areas include:
- Water treatment: Used as a disinfectant and oxidizer in potable water treatment to remove odor, taste & reduce organic content. It also controls slime & bio-fouling in industrial cooling systems.
- Pulp & paper: As mentioned earlier, KHS05 bleaches wood pulp during paper manufacturing. It also degrades pollutants like resin & tanins in paper mill effluents.
- Oilfield services: Functions as a breaker to oxidize viscoelastic polymer gels employed in hydraulic fracturing and enhanced oil recovery operations.
- Textiles: Performs pre-treatment & bleaching of cotton and other fibers. Removes natural waxes and color bodies prior to dyeing.
- Aquaculture: Maintains water quality by controlling algal blooms and decomposing organic wastes in fish farms and shrimp hatcheries.
- Residential use: Used in cleaning products as a source permanente for bleaching and disinfecting hard surfaces. Effective against molds & mildew.
Advantages of Using Potassium Peroxymonosulfate
Some key advantages that make KHS05 a preferred oxidizing agent for industrial and domestic applications are:
- Highly soluble in water and thus better suitable for aqueous chemical processes than insoluble oxidizers.
- Generates sulfate and oxygen as reaction by-products which are non-toxic and easy to handle.
- Slower reaction kinetics than other persulfate salts allows better control over oxidation reactions.
- Wide pH range of stability from acidic to alkaline conditions expands scope of applications.
- Selectivity towards organic substrates prevents excessive over-oxidation of products.
- Less hazardous and environmentally friendlier than chlorine-based bleaches and oxidizers.
- Efficacious at low dosage levels, thereby lowering overall treatment costs.
- Shelf stable as dry powder and aqueous solutions if properly stored away from heat and light.
Safety Measures for Handling Potassium Peroxymonosulfate
Though KHS05 presents much lower toxicity compared to chlorine, necessary safety precautions must still be followed during its handling and use:
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes or ingestion as it may cause irritation. Wear personal protective gear like gloves, goggles and masks.
- Work in a well-ventilated area since the compound decomposes to release oxygen gas.
- Do not confine or store KHS05 mixtures in sealed containers to prevent risk of over-pressurization from generated oxygen.
- Keep away from strong reducing agents, alkaline materials, heavy metals and combustible substances which could react vigorously.
- Use only plastic, fiberglass or corrosion-resistant metal equipment as KHS05 can corrode ordinary steel.
- Dilute KHS05 solutions if required with running water before disposal to waterways to minimize harm to aquatic life.
- Refer safety data sheet for detailed handling procedures and first aid measures in case of accidental exposure.
Potassium peroxymonosulfate is a highly effective and stable oxidizing agent that finds extensive industrial application owing to its advantageous profile. With proper safety precautions, it serves as a safer alternative to conventional oxidizers and disinfectants.
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