Ammonium Persulfate (NH4)2S2O8 is a strong oxidizing agent. It is very soluble in water; the dissolution of the salt in water is endothermic. It is a radical initiator. It is used to etch copper on printed circuit boards as an alternative to ferric chloride solution. It is also used along with tetramethylethylenediamine to catalyze the polymerization of acrylamide in making a polyacrylamide gel.

Ammonium Persulfate is the main component of Nochromix. On dissolving in sulfuric acid, it is used to clean laboratory glassware as a metal-free alternative to chromic acid baths. It is also a standard ingredient in western blot gels and hair bleach.

Airborne dust may be irritating to eye, nose, throat, lung and skin upon contact. Exposure to high levels of dust may cause difficulty in breathing.