Used as a powerful oxidizer in pyrotechnics and propellants due to its ability to release oxygen readily upon heating. Commonly found in airbag inflators and certain types of explosives where rapid gas generation is required. Also employed in laboratory settings as a drying agent for gases because of its strong hygroscopic nature. In environmental chemistry, it serves as a reagent in the analysis of soil and water samples, particularly in studies involving perchlorate contamination. Its high solubility and oxidative properties make it useful in chemical synthesis and in some industrial cleaning processes.