Used as initiator for the polymerization of monomers and a strong oxidizing agent in many applications, as a replacement for ammonium persulfate in etching mixtures for zinc and printed circuit boards, and is for pickling of copper and some other metals. It is a source of free radicals, making it useful as a radical initiator for emulsion polymerization reactions and for accelerated curing of low formaldehyde adhesives. It is also used as a soil conditioner and in manufacture of dyestuffs, modification of starch, bleach activator, desizing agent for oxidative desizing, etc.