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Perchlorate

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Perchlorate

A perchlorate is a chemical compound containing the perchlorate ion, ClO4, the conjugate base of perchloric acid (ionic perchlorate). As counterions, there can be metal cations, quaternary ammonium cations or other ions, for example, nitronium cation (NO+2).

The term perchlorate can also describe perchlorate esters or covalent perchlorates. These are organic compounds that are alkyl or aryl esters of perchloric acid. They are characterized by a covalent bond between an oxygen atom of the ClO4 moiety and an organyl group.

In most ionic perchlorates, the cation is non-coordinating. The majority of ionic perchlorates are commercially produced salts commonly used as oxidizers for pyrotechnic devices and for their ability to control static electricity in food packaging. Additionally, they have been used in rocket propellants, fertilizers, and as bleaching agents in the paper and textile industries.

Perchlorate contamination of food and water endangers human health, primarily affecting the thyroid gland.

Ionic perchlorates are typically colorless solids that exhibit good solubility in water. The perchlorate ion forms when they dissolve in water, dissociating into ions.  Many perchlorate salts also exhibit good solubility in non-aqueous solvents. Four perchlorates are of primary commercial interest: ammonium perchlorate (NH4)ClO4, perchloric acid HClO4, potassium perchlorate KClO4 and sodium perchlorate NaClO4.

Very few chemical oxidants are strong enough to convert chlorate to perchlorate. Persulfate, ozone, or lead dioxide are all known to do so, but the reactions are too delicate and low-yielding for commercial viability.

Perchlorate salts are typically manufactured through the process of electrolysis, which involves oxidizing aqueous solutions of corresponding chlorates. This technique is commonly employed in the production of sodium perchlorate, which finds widespread use as a key ingredient in rocket fuel. Perchlorate salts are also commonly produced by reacting perchloric acid with bases, such as ammonium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. Ammonium perchlorate, which is highly valued,[why?] can also be produced via an electrochemical process.

Perchlorate esters are formed in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst via a perchlorate salt's nucleophilic substitution onto an alkylating agent.

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