What is Perchloric Acid?
What is Perchloric Acid?
Perchloric acid is a chlorine oxoacid. Its chemical formula is HClO4. hydroxidotrioxidochlorine or Hyperchloric acid are other names for it. The chemical is an aqueous solution that is colourless and odourless when it is around 52 to 72 per cent acidic. The acid can corrode metals and tissue. The acid can violently rupture when it is exposed to high temperatures for an extensive duration in a closed compartment.
The properties of perchloric acid are as follows:
- The molecular weight of perchloric acid is 100.46 g/mol.
- The density of perchloric acid is 1.768 g/cm3.
- The melting point of perchloric acid is -17° C.
- The boiling point of Perchloric acid is 203° C.
Uses of Perchloric acid (HClO4)
- To separate potassium and sodium, perchloric acid is used as an oxidising agent.
- Perchloric acid is used in the making of explosive devices.
- Metals can be plated with other metals using perchloric acid.
- Determination of 1H-Benzotriazole can be done using perchloric acid as a reagent.
- It can act as a catalyst.
- Molybdenum etching or electropolishing can be done using perchloric acid.
- It can be used as fuel for rockets.
How is perchloric acid produced?
In large production levels like in industries, perchloric acid can be made using two different methods. Traditionally, the extremely aqueous solubility of NaClO4, which is sodium perchlorate, is utilized to its fullest potential. Perchloric acid is produced by treating this solution with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and precipitating solid sodium chloride. Shown below is the reaction:
HCl + NaClO4 > HClO4 + NaCl
The second method is more straightforward and does implement the use of salts and requires a platinum electrode that has an anodic oxidation chlorine solution.
Perchloric acid can also be made in laboratories by treating Ba(ClO4)2 (barium perchlorate) with H2SO4 (sulphuric acid) in which BaSO4 (barium sulfate) get precipitated and perchloric acid is left. It may also be made by heating HNO3 (nitric acid) with NH4ClO4 (ammonium perchlorate) and then adding hydrochloric acid.
Dangers of Perchloric acid
Inhaling the vapours of perchloric acid can cause inflammation in the nose and throat and coughing along with irritation in the lungs. Being exposed to this compound for an extended period can cause vomiting. Burns and blisters can be caused in the stomach if the compound is ingested. It releases caustic, irritating, and poisonous fumes when heated.
Applications of Perchloric acid
Perchloric acid is primarily used as a precursor to a vital inorganic compound called ammonium perchlorate, used in fuel for rockets. As a result, perchloric acid is regarded as a critical chemical component in the space industry. Perchloric acid is also commonly used in the etching process of liquid crystal display systems so it is safe to say that perchloric acid is an important compound used in the market of electronics. Since the properties of this compound are unique, it is commonly used in the field of analytical chemistry. Materials can also be extracted and separated from their respective ores by involving methods that use perchloric acid. In addition, this substance is utilised in the etching of chrome. Perchloric acid is one of the strongest Bronsted-Lowry acids because it behaves as a superacid.
Preparation of perchloric acid
Perchloric acid is generally produced in one of two ways in the industrial world. The first approach, also known as the conventional way, is a method of making perchloric acid that makes use of sodium perchlorate’s exceptionally high solubility in water. At room temperature, sodium perchlorate dissolves in water at a rate of 2090 g/l. When a solution of sodium perchlorate in water is treated with hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid is formed along with a precipitate of sodium chloride. This concentrated acid can also be purified using the process of distillation. The second method is through the utilization of electrodes in which chlorine dissolved in water is anodically oxidised at a platinum electrode. However, this approach is thought to be more expensive to perform.
How dangerous is perchloric acid?
Perchloric acid is a highly powerful oxidant. This chemical has extremely high reactivities towards most metals due to its strong oxidising capabilities. In addition, this chemical is extremely reactive with organic materials. Inhaling perchloric acid vapours can induce inflammation in the nose and throat, as well as coughing and lung discomfort. Vomiting can occur if you are exposed to this chemical for a lengthy period. If the chemical is eaten, it can induce stomach burns and blisters. When heated, it emits caustic, stinging, and toxic gases. This substance has the potential to be corrosive to the skin. As a result, proper safety precautions must be followed when handling this chemical like wearing the appropriate safety apparel such as laboratory PPE, gloves appropriate to the hazard, laboratory respirators, face masks, etc to ensure your safety.
Refer: The P-block Elements from Class 12 Chemistry English Medium – Find All the Questions & Answers