Basic information
- Standard SMILES
[O-][Cl+3]([O-])([O-])O- InChIKey
VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N- Molecular formula
- ClHO4
- Average molar mass
- 100.46 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 99.95633619
Overview
Perchloric acid, with more than 50% but not more than 72% acid appears as a clear colorless odorless aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Closed containers may rupture violently under prolonged exposure to heat.
Names & identifiers
- Preferred name
- Perchloric Acid
- IUPAC
- perchloric acid
- English name
- PERCHLORIC ACID
- Molecular formula
- ClHO4
- Molecular weight
- 100.46
Names & synonyms
PERCHLORIC ACID7601-90-3V561V90BG2CHEBI:29221DTXSID8047004RefChem:6111Dioxonium perchlorate solutionDTXCID6027004231-512-4HSDB 1140EINECS 231-512-4UN1802
Show more names
HCLO4PERCHLORIC ACID 70%Perchloric acid, ca. 70% Solution in WaterPerchloric acid, Puriss. p.a., ACS Reagent, 70% (Hg ?0.0000005%), packed in coated, shock- and leak-protected glass bottle70-72%GR，70-72%PerchlorsureFraude's reagentacideperchlorique
UNII-V561V90BG2MFCD00011325Perchloric Acid (60%)Perchloric Acid (70%)EC 231-512-4Perchloric acid, >72% acid by mass [Forbidden]Perchloric acid, >72% acid by mass0.5N Perchloric Acid
Database identifiers
- CAS
7601-90-3- PubChem CID
- 24247
- DTXSID
DTXSID8047004- ChEBI
CHEBI:29221- UNII
- V561V90BG2
- EC Number
- 231-512-4
- Nikkaji
- J43.590B
Properties
Computed structural properties
- XLogP
- 2.3
- Topological polar surface area
- 71.4 Ų
- Hydrogen bond donors
- 1
- Hydrogen bond acceptors
- 4
- Rotatable bonds
- 0
- Heavy atoms
- 5
- Formal charge
- 0
- Complexity
- 114
Experimental & physicochemical properties
Chemical Classes
Toxic Gases & Vapors -> Oxidizers
Reactive agents - 3rd degree
Odorodorless
Density
1.6 to 1.7 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999)
1.768 @ 22 °C
VERY HYGROSCOPIC; COMBINES VIGOROUSLY WITH WATER WITH EVOLUTION OF HEAT; AQ ACID IS VERY CAUSTIC; DECOMP WHEN DISTILLED @ ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE; DENSITY OF AQ SOLN @ 25 °C: 65.0%= 1.597; 70.0%= 1.664; 75.0%= 1.731; DENSITY OF AQ SOLN @ 15 °C: 1%= 1.0050; 10%= 1.0597; 20%= 1.1279; 30%= 1.2067; 40%= 1.2991; 50%= 1.4103; 60%= 1.5389; 70%= 1.6736
Relative density (water = 1): 1.76 (22 °C)
1.77 @25 °C
Color/FormCOLORLESS, OILY LIQUID
Solubility
MISCIBLE IN COLD WATER
Solubility in water: miscible
Boiling Point19 °C @ 11 MM HG
Decomposition19 °C
Melting Point
-170 °F (USCG, 1999)
-112 °C
-112 °C
-112 °C
Vapor DensityRelative vapor density (air = 1): 3.5
Vapor Pressure6.8 [mmHg]
Physical Description
Perchloric acid, with more than 50% but not more than 72% acid appears as a clear colorless odorless aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Closed containers may rupture violently under prolonged exposure to heat.
Perchloric acid, with not more than 50% acid appears as a clear colorless odorless aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Closed containers may rupture violently under prolonged exposure to heat.
Colorless, odorless oily liquid; [HSDB] Highly hygroscopic; [Merck Index]
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.
Stability/Shelf Life
VOLATILE
ON STORAGE EVEN IN DARK, ANHYDROUS ACID BECOMES DISCOLORED OWING TO DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS & MAY EXPLODE SPONTANEOUSLY
UNSTABLE IN CONCENTRATED FORM
fuming
Physicochemical properties
- Melting point
- -18 °C · -18 °C
- Boiling point
- 203 °C · 203 °C
- Density
- 1.664 g/mL · 1.664 g/mL at 25 °C
- vapor density
- 2.1 · ~2.1 (vs air)
- vapor pressure
- 6.8 mm · 6.8 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
- refractive index
- 1.419 · 1.419
- Flash point
- 104 °F · 104 °F
- storage temp.
- Flammables area
- solubility
- Water (Sparingly)
- pka
- -7 · -7[at 20 ℃]
- form
- Solution
- color
- 10 · APHA: ≤10
- Specific Gravity
- 1.54 · approximate 1.54
- Odor
- Odorless
- PH
- 0.1 · 0.1 (H2O, 20°C)
- Water Solubility
- Miscible with water.
- Thermal Conductivity
- 0.192 W/ · 0.192 W/(m·K)
- Merck
- 14 · 14,7153
- Henry's Law Constant
- 9.9 · 9.9×103 mol/(m3Pa) at 25℃, Jaeglé et al. (1996)
- Stability
- Stable. Avoid heat. May form explosive peroxides. Incompatible with a wide variety of substances, including organic materials, alcohols, amines, strong acids, strong bases, acid anhydrides, finely powdered metals, strong reducing agents. Contact with wood, paper and other celullose products may lead to explosion, as may contact with a vari
- InChI
- 1S/ClHO4/c2-1(3,4)5/h(H,2,3,4,5)
- InChIKey
- VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- SMILES
- OCl(=O)(=O)=O
- LogP
- -4.62 · -4.62
- CAS DataBase Reference
- 7601 · 7601-90-3(CAS DataBase Reference)
- EWG's Food Scores
- 1 · 1
- FDA UNII
- 561 V90BG2 · V561V90BG2
- NIST Chemistry Reference
- Perchloric acid(7601-90-3)
- EPA Substance Registry System
- Perchloric acid (7601-90-3)
- UNSPSC Code
- 12352302 · 12352302
- NACRES
- 21 · NB.21
- Symbol(GHS)
- 3 · GHS03,GHS07
- Signal word
- Danger
- Hazard statements
- 271 · H271-H290-H302-H314-H373
- Precautionary statements
- 210 · P210-P280-P301+P312-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P314
- target organs
- Thyroid
- Hazard Codes
- C,O,Xi
- Risk Statements
- 5 · 5-8-35-10-34-36/38
- Safety Statements
- 23 · 23-26-36-45-36/37/39
- RIDADR
- 1802 · UN 1802 8/PG II (PERCHLORIC ACID with not more than 50 % acid, by mass)
- WGK Germany
- 1 · 1
- RTECS
- 7500000 · SC7500000
- F
- 3 · 3
- Autoignition Temperature
- 485 °C · 485 °C
- TSCA
- TSCA listed
- HS Code
- 3822 · 3822 00 00
- HazardClass
- 8 · 8
- PackingGroup
- II
- Storage Class
- 5.1 A · 5.1A - Strongly oxidizing hazardous materials
- Hazard Classifications
- 4 OralEye · Acute Tox. 4 OralEye Dam. 1Met. Corr. 1Ox. Liq. 1Skin Corr. 1ASTOT RE 2
- Hazardous Substances Data
- 7601 · 7601-90-3(Hazardous Substances Data)
- Toxicity
- 50 oral · LD50 oral (rat) 1100 mg/kg LD50 oral (dog) 400 mg/kg
- REACH Registrations
- Active
- Excepted Quantities
- Not Permitted as Excepted Quantity
Safety & regulation
GHS classification
GHS Classification
Danger
H271: May cause fire or explosion; strong Oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing liquids; Oxidizing solids]
P210, P220, P260, P264, P280, P283, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P306+P360, P316, P321, P363, P370+P378, P371+P380+P375, P405, P420, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)
Danger
H271 (100%): May cause fire or explosion; strong Oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing liquids; Oxidizing solids]
P210, P220, P234, P260, P264, P270, P280, P283, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P306+P360, P316, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P371+P380+P375, P390, P405, P406, P420, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)
Hazard information
Regulatory Information
Chemical: Perchloric acid
Status: Active Update: 30-05-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/8872
Perchloric acid: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
Other Safety InformationIMAP assessments - Perchloric acid: Human health tier II assessment
DOT Label
Oxidizer Corrosive
Corrosive Oxidizer
Fire Hazards
Behavior in Fire: Above 160 °C (320 °F) will react with combustible material and increase intensity of fire. Containers may explode. (USCG, 1999)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
· May explode from friction, heat or contamination.
· Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with metals, reducing agents or organic materials.
Fire Potential
AQ ACID...MAY DEFLAGRATE IN CONTACT WITH OXIDIZABLE SUBSTANCES. /AQUEOUS SOLN/
WILL INCREASE THE INTENSITY OF A FIRE. MAY CAUSE FIRE ON CONTACT WITH COMBUSTIBLES. /AQUEOUS SOLN/
ANHYDROUS ACID IGNITES IN CONTACT WITH SODIUM IODIDE OR HYDRIODIC ACID. ...MIXTURES OF 2-METHYLPROPENE & PERCHLORIC ACID VAPOR (5:1 MOLAR) IN NITROGEN IGNITE SPONTANEOUSLY @ 250 °C.
ANHYDROUS ACID IGNITES SULFINYL CHLORIDE.
...will ignite...by shock or heat.
Health Hazards
Inhalation of vapors or mist causes burning sensation of nose and throat, and lung irritation with coughing; prolonged or excessive exposure could cause vomiting and severe coughing. Ingestion causes blistering and burns of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes or skin causes blistering and burns. (USCG, 1999)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
· TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
Hazards Summary
Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] High inhalation exposure can cause pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; Causes liver injury in high-dose animal studies; [HSDB] Evolves heat when mixed with water--may explode; [Merck Index] A strong oxidant--a fire and explosion hazard; Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC]
DOT ID and Guide
1873 143
1802 157
Reactive Group
Acids, Strong Oxidizing
Acids, Strong Oxidizing
EC ClassificationSymbol: O, C; R: 5-8-35; S: (1/2)-23-26-36-45
UN ClassificationUN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8; UN Pack Group: I
Special Reports
A REVIEW OF THE TOXICITY & HEALTH HAZARD OF PERCHLORIC ACID (17 REFERENCES).[MOREL C ET AL; TOXICOLOGICAL PAPER, NO 141: PERCHLORIC ACID (HCLO4); CAH NOTES DOC 94: 173-6 (1979)]
This data sheet describes the hazards of perchloric acid and the procedures necessary to avoid physical harm. Contents: Properties; uses; containers; shipping regulations; storage; personal hazards; handling; personal protective equipment; ventilation; fire and explosion hazards; symptoms of poisoning; first aid; toxicity; medical examinations; waste disposal.[Perchloric acid; National Safety Council, 444 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, 4 pages (1982)]
Safety & protection
Fire Fighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 143 [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:
Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
In case of fire in the surroundings: water in large amounts, water spray. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
First Aid Measures
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .
Accidental Release Measures
· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
· Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
First Aid
Get medical attention following all exposures to this compound.
Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
General First Aid:
General First Aid:
Safe StorageFireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed.
Firefighting HazardsASSUME THAT ORGANIC MATERIALS ARE INVOLVED & THAT AN EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR. USE CAUTION IN APPROACHING THE FIRE.
Exposure Control and Personal Protection
· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Fire Fighting Procedures
COMBAT FIRES FROM SAFE DISTANCE OR PROTECTED LOCATION. FLOOD DISCHARGE AREA WITH WATER. COOL EXPOSED CONTAINERS WITH WATER. /AQUEOUS SOLN/
USE WATER SPRAY.
Storage Conditions
REAGENT BOTTLE--MAX 1-LB, GLASS-STOPPERED, GLASS BOTTLE; KEPT IN A HEAVY GLASS TRAY WITH LARGER CAPACITY. ADDN LAB STORAGE SHOULD BE IN ORIGINAL BOTTLES INSIDE A GLASS CONTAINER PADDED WITH GLASS WOOL & HAVING GREATER CAPACITY THAN THE CONTAINER. CARBOYS & LARGE BOTTLES SHOULD BE STORED ON ACID-RESISTING NONCOMBUSTIBLE SHELVES, IN A NONCOMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURE. ALL STORAGE MUST BE SEPARATED FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, ORG MATERIALS, STRONG DEHYDRATING AGENTS, OXIDIZING & REDUCING AGENTS. ...MUST BE STORED WHERE IT WILL NOT FREEZE... PROTECT AGAINST PHYSICAL DAMAGE. ELECTRICAL WIRING...IN STORAGE AREAS MUST BE OF WATERTIGHT TYPE TO PROTECT AGAINST CORROSIVE ACTION OF VAPORS.
...SHOULD BE STORED & USED IN GLASS OR OTHER INERT CONTAINERS (PREFERABLY UNBREAKABLE), & CORKS & RUBBER STOPPERS SHOULD NOT BE USED.
Cleanup Methods
NEUTRALIZING AGENTS FOR ACIDS & CAUSTICS: FLUSH WITH WATER & RINSE WITH DILUTE SODIUM BICARBONATE OR SODA ASH SOLUTION.
REMOVE SPILLED PERCHLORIC ACID BY IMMEDIATE & THOROUGH WASHING WITH LARGE AMT OF WATER.
RADIOACTIVE WASTEWATER CONTAINING PERCHLORIC ACID IS TREATED BY SN, TI3+ OR MOO3, & AQ HCL. AFTER 2 HR 92.3% OF PERCHLORIC ACID WAS REDUCED.
Nonfire Spill Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 143 [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:
Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
Disposal Methods
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
Neutralization, landfill, & discharge to sewer: Reduce perchloric acid with weak reducing agent (hypobisulfite or ferrous salt, plus sulfuric acid as accelerator have been recommended), neutralize with sodium carbonate or calcium oxide. The reduced neutralized slurry may be flushed to the drain with high dilution; otherwise deposit in an approved landfill.
Toxicology
Ecotoxicity ValuesLC100 CYPRINUS CARPIO 180 PPM/24 HR @ 25 °C
Adverse EffectsOccupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.
Exposure RoutesThe substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.
Signs and Symptoms
Sore throat. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed.
Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.
Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
Sore throat. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse. Vomiting.
ICSC Environmental DataThe substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.
Human Toxicity Excerpts
SYMPTOMATOLOGY (...INGESTION OR SKIN CONTACT): 1. CORROSION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF MOUTH, THROAT AND ESOPHAGUS, WITH IMMEDIATE PAIN AND DYSPHAGIA. NECROTIC AREAS...GRAYISH WHITE BUT SOON ACQUIRE A BLACKISH DISCOLORATION (YELLOW IN CASE OF NITRIC ACID) & SOMETIMES SHRUNKEN OR WRINKLED TEXTURE... 2. EPIGASTRIC PAIN...MAY BE ASSOC WITH NAUSEA & VOMITING... AT TIMES, GASTRIC HEMORRHAGE MAY BE INTENSE, AND VOMITUS THEN CONTAINS FRESH BLOOD. PROFOUND THIRST. 3. ULCERATION OF ALL MEMBRANES AND TISSUES WITH WHICH THE ACID COMES IN CONTACT. AFTER THE INGESTION OF CONCN MINERAL ACID, THIS CORROSION MAY LEAD WITHIN A FEW HR OR A FEW DAYS TO GASTRIC PERFORATION AND PERITONITIS. 4. CIRCULATORY COLLAPSE WITH CLAMMY SKIN, WEAK & RAPID PULSE, SHALLOW RESP, AND SCANTY URINE. CIRCULATORY SHOCK IS OFTEN IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF DEATH. /ACIDS/
Non-Human Toxicity ExcerptsPERCHLORIC ACID, GIVEN ORALLY OR SC TO RATS & MICE, SHOWED IN ADDITION TO ITS IRRITATING EFFECT A SPECIFIC ANTITHYROID ACTION, & ALSO INDUCED ABNORMALITIES IN HEPATIC, RENAL, CARDIOVASCULAR, & HEMOPOIETIC FUNCTIONS.
Regulatory information
State Drinking Water Standards
(CA) CALIFORNIA 6 ug/L /Perchlorate ion/
(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 2 ug/L /Perchlorate ion/
State Drinking Water Guidelines
(CA) CALIFORNIA 6 ug/L /Perchlorate ion/
(ME) MAINE 1 ug/L /Perchlorate ion/
Safety data
- F
- 3
- wgk
- 1
- tsca
- TSCA listed
- rtecs
- SC7500000
- ridadr
- UN 1873 5.1/PG I (PERCHLORIC ACID with more than 50 % but not more than 72 % acid, by mass)
- hs_code
- 3822 00 00
- Toxicity
- LD50 oral (rat) 1100 mg/kg LD50 oral (dog) 400 mg/kg
- risk_code
- 5-8-35-10-34-36/38
- Signal word
- Danger
- Symbol(GHS)
- GHS03,GHS07
- hazard_code
- C,O,Xi
- safety_code
- 23-26-36-45-36/37/39
- hazard_class
- 8
- Storage Class
- 5.1A - Strongly oxidizing hazardous materials
- packing_group
- II
- target organs
- Thyroid
- Hazard statements
- H271-H290-H302-H314-H373
- Excepted Quantities
- Not Permitted as Excepted Quantity
- REACH Registrations
- Active
- Hazard Classifications
- Acute Tox. 4 OralEye Dam. 1Met. Corr. 1Ox. Liq. 1Skin Corr. 1ASTOT RE 2
- Autoignition Temperature
- 485 °C
- Precautionary statements
- P210-P280-P301+P312-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P314
- Hazardous Substances Data
- 7601-90-3(Hazardous Substances Data)
Chemistry & industry
Uses & manufacturing
Uses
Used as an oxidizer in analytical chemistry; its salts are used in explosives and electroplating baths; [Merck Index] Used as a catalyst, to make various esters, and in electrolytic bathes for lead deposition; [HSDB]
Electroplating [Category: Plate]
IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AS AN OXIDIZER & FOR SEPARATION OF POTASSIUM FROM SODIUM
EXPLOSIVES & FOR PLATING OF METALS /PERCHLORATE SALTS/
TITRATION REAGENT IN DETERMINATION OF 1H-BENZOTRIAZOLE IN AIR
CATALYST; MFR OF VARIOUS ESTERS; INGREDIENT OF ELECTROLYTIC BATH IN DEPOSITION OF LEAD
U.S. Exports(1986) No Data
U.S. Imports(1986) No Data
U.S. Production(1986) No Data
Methods of Manufacturing
...FROM POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE & SULFURIC ACID: HANDBOOK OF PREPARATIVE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY VOL 1, G BRAUER, ED (ACADEMIC PRESS, NEW YORK, 2ND ED, 1963) PAGES 318-320. COMPREHENSIVE MONOGRAPH: JC SCHUMACHER, PERCHLORATES (REINHOLD, NEW YORK, 1960).
Chemical reaction of sodium perchlorate and hydrochloric acid; direct electrolytic oxidation of cold (18 °C), very dilute (0.5N) hydrochloric acid; irradiating aqueous solutions of chlorine dioxide; passing ozonized air through a solution of hydrochloric acid or sodium hypochloride; electrodialysis of perchlorate salts using ion-selective membranes
Formulations/Preparations
GRADES: TECHNICAL; CP
...MARKETED ONLY IN MIXTURE WITH WATER CONTAINING 60-70% PERCHLORIC ACID, DENSITY 1.5 & 1.6, RESPECTIVELY.
DIOXONIUM PERCHLORATE SOLUTION; PERCHLORIC ACID SOLUTION
Technical grade, CP; commercial aqueous solutions contain 65-70% HClO4
General Manufacturing Information
Perchloric acid: ACTIVE
METHOD OF PURIFICATION: RECTIFICATION
Applications
DescriptionPerchloric acid (chemical formula: HClO4) is a kind of mineral acid which is highly corrosive to metals and tissues. It is even stronger than sulfuric and nitric acid. It is useful in the manufacture of perchlorate salts such as ammonium perchlorate, which is an important rocket fuel component. It also has many applications in etching of liquid crystal displays and chrome, critical electronics applications, ore extraction and analytic chemistry. As a strong acid, it is useful eluent in ion-exchange chromatography due to its stability against hydrolysis. It can also be used for electropolishing/etching of aluminum, molybdenum, and other metals. In industry, it can be produced by two routes: (1) treatment of sodium perchlorate with hydrochloric acid; (2) anodic oxidation of aqueous chlorine at a platinum electrode.
DescriptionPerchloric acid is a corrosive inorganic liquid that is colorless, odorless, and oily in nature. It is miscible with water and has a boiling point of 203 °C, a melting point of 19 °C, and a low vapor pressure of 6.8mmHg at 25 °C. A cold 70% aqueous perchloric acid solution is considered to be a strong acid or superacid (stronger than sulfuric and nitric acids) but is not necessarily a strong oxidizing agent. However, as the concentration and temperature of the perchloric acid are increased, so does its oxidizing power. Hot concentrated solutions of perchloric acid can be extremely dangerous (explosion hazard, fire hazard). Perchloric acid can react violently at room temperature with cellulose materials (e.g., wood, paper), oxidizable organic materials (e.g., alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes), and strong basic materials, resulting in an increased risk of fire and/or explosion. When heated, perchloric acid can decompose and generate toxic and corrosive fumes. Many types of metals can react with perchloric acid to produce flammable/explosive gases. Because perchloric acid becomes increasingly unstable (volatile) with increasing concentration, it is not marketed at concentrations greater than 72% v/v in water. It may explode by shock or concussion as an anhydrous material (e.g., if a spill of 70% perchloric acid is allowed to dehydrate). Mixtures of perchlorates with oxidizable substances are often explosive. Perchloric acid is attracted to water and disassociates readily to yield the perchlorate anion. The toxicity of perchloric acid comes from the toxicity of the perchlorate anion.The potential danger of working with perchloric acid is sadly illustrated in a workplace tragedy. A mixture of perchloric acid and acetic anhydride exploded in a Los Angeles factory in 1947, killing 15, injuring 400, and causing $2 million in damages.
UsesThe acid in analytical chemistry as an oxidizer and for separation of potassium from sodium. Its salts for explosives and for plating of metals.
UsesPerchloric acid is used in the preparation of perchlorate salts (e.g., ammonium perchlorate, a solid oxidizer in rocket propellants). It is also used industrially for electropolishing and etching of various metals (e.g., aluminum, molybdenum). Perchloric acid is used in a process to separate potassium from sodium, as well as in many other laboratory tests and industrial processes (e.g., as an eluant in ion-exchange chromatography). Uses for the salts of perchloric acid include the manufacture of explosives and plating of metals. Perchlorate is also present in bleach and fertilizers.
UsesPerchloric acid salts are used as explosivesand in metal plating. They are also used as anoxidizer and as a reagent in chemical analysis. These salts are produced by distillingpotassium chlorate with concentrated H2SO4under reduced pressure..
General DescriptionA clear colorless odorless aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Closed containers may rupture violently under prolonged exposure to heat.
Upstream & downstream products
Upstream raw materials
Downstream products
Additional notes
DefinitionChEBI: Perchloric acid is a chlorine oxoacid. It is a conjugate acid of a perchlorate.
Related reactions
1,030 records
Linked notes
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