A Study on the Mechanism of the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate

The thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate in the presence of potassium chloride and chromium (III) oxide was investigated using K 36 Cl and 51 Cr 2 O 3 to elucidate the reaction mechanism. Two simultaneous routes are suggested for the decomposition. It was found that double decomposition in vacuo between potassium chloride and ammonium perchlorate does not result in the formation of potassium perchlorate. Chromium (III) oxide was not oxidized by ammonium perchlorate, but oxidation to the hexavalent state took place when potassium chloride was present.