Potassium peroxymonosulfate (chemical formula KHSO5), commonly known as M-Per, is a bleaching agent and disinfectant. It contains a high concentration of active oxygen that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses and other microbes.

Chemical Properties

Potassium peroxymonosulfate is a white crystalline solid that appears as flat flakes or granules. It is soluble in water and generates active oxygen when dissolved. The active oxygen forms from the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide and peroxomonosulfate ions when the compound comes in contact with water. This released oxygen is highly reactive and can act as a strong oxidizing agent. Some key chemical properties of M-Per are:

- Molecular Weight: 238.17 g/mol
- Melting Point: 73-75°C
- Water Solubility: Freely soluble (28% at 25°C)
- Formulation: KHSO5
- Activation: Releases active oxygen in an aqueous solution

When M-Per dissolves and activates in water, it produces potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4) and active forms of oxygen like hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, singlet oxygen, etc. This activation process gives it the power to decontaminate and disrupt the cellular components of microbes.

Applications in Water Treatment

One of the major applications of Potassium Peroxymonosulfate is in water treatment plants for disinfection. It is used to kill bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other microbes present in wastewater, swimming pools, industrial process water, etc. Some benefits of using M-Per in water treatment include:

- Broad-spectrum efficacy: Effective against both bacteria and viruses. Kills cryptosporidium and giardia which are resistant to chlorine.

- Residual activity: The activated oxygen released continues to disinfect water for a period. Provides secondary disinfection after initial treatment.

- Stability: Shelf life of 6-12 months as compound is stable when dry. Easily handled and transported.

- Byproducts: Forms sulfate, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide as byproducts which are less hazardous than chlorine byproducts.

- Odor and taste: Does not produce harmful disinfection byproducts that can cause undesirable tastes and odors in water.

Many municipalities and commercial facilities rely on M-Per for primary disinfection or as a supplementary disinfectant with chlorine. It effectively meets EPA microbicidal standards for drinking water systems.

Applications in Cleaning Industry

Due its potent oxidizing ability, potassium peroxymonosulfate can remove tough stains and decolorize various surfaces and fabrics. It finds wide usage as a laundry bleach and cleaner:

- Laundry bleach: Activates in warm water to release oxygen bleach that lifts stains from clothes without damaging fabrics. Safe for colored clothes.

- Hard surface cleaner: Used to disinfect and remove dirt from floors, walls, kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, etc. Kills germs on hard non-porous surfaces.

- Food contact surface sanitizer: Approved by FDA for washing, lye peeling and sanitizing of raw and cooked foods contact surfaces in commercial kitchens.

- Swimming pool oxidizer: Maintains water clarity by oxidizing contaminants like urine, sweat, dirt, dead microbes forming cloudiness in pool water.

M-Per provides an eco-friendly alternative to chlorine-based bleaches. It doesn't contaminate air or release harmful gases during use like chlorine does. Also, the activated oxygen bleaching is more selective and gentle on fabrics and surfaces.

Safety and Regulations

While potassium peroxymonosulfate is stable when dry, safety precautions need to be followed during handling and use of its aqueous solutions. Direct contact with concentrated solutions or accidental inhalation of dried particles could cause minor respiratory irritation in some individuals. However, when used as directed in standard applications, it poses low risk to humans and environment. Some key regulations include:

- OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1200): Not listed as hazardous. PPE not usually required.

- EPA (40 CFR 185.5650): Registered as antimicrobial pesticide. Allowed in drinking water up to 1ppm.

- FDA (21 CFR 173.325): Approved as indirect food additive. Safe for use on food contact surfaces.

- FIFRA (40 CFR 156.62): Registered for use as swimming pool, spa and industrial/institutional disinfectant.

With proper precautions during handling and use as per product label, potassium peroxymonosulfate can deliver effective disinfection safely without environmental hazards. It is replacing chlorine as the bleach and cleaner of choice in many industries.

potassium peroxymonosulfate has established itself as a reliable oxidizing agent for disinfection and bleaching applications. Its effectiveness against bacteria, viruses and other microbes along with favorable chemical properties make it a leading alternative to chlorine. Whether for water treatment, laundry sanitation, surface cleaning or swimming pool maintenance, M-Per can deliver clean and safer results. As environmental regulations on disinfection byproducts become more stringent, the use of this green bleaching chemistry is expected to grow exponentially in years to come.

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