Calcium perchlorate (Ca(ClO4)2) is a chemical compound that has many uses, such as in fireworks and rocket propellants. It is highly soluble in water and can also be used as a drying agent.
| IUPAC Name | Calcium perchlorate |
| Molecular Formula | Ca(ClO4)2 |
| CAS Number | 13477-36-6 |
| Synonyms | Calciofos, Perchloric acid calcium salt, Calcium diperchlorate, Calcium(II) perchlorate, UN1459 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Ca.2ClHO4/c;22-1(3,4)5/h;2(H,2,3,4,5)/q+2;;/p-2 |
Calcium Perchlorate Properties
Calcium Perchlorate Formula
The formula for calcium perchlorate is Ca(ClO4)2. It is composed of one Ca2+ ion and two ClO4- ions. The calcium ion has a positive charge of 2+ and each ClO4- ion has a negative charge of 1-. This formula is used to represent the chemical structure of calcium perchlorate.
Calcium Perchlorate Molar Mass
The molar mass of Ca(ClO4)2 is 238.98 g/mol. This value represents the mass of one mole of Ca(ClO4)2, which contains Avogadro’s number of molecules. The molar mass is important in determining the amount of Ca(ClO4)2 needed in a particular reaction.
Calcium Perchlorate Boiling Point
Ca(ClO4)2 has no boiling point because it decomposes before it reaches its boiling point. When heated, it decomposes into calcium chloride, oxygen gas, and chlorine gas. This decomposition reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat.
Calcium Perchlorate Melting Point
The melting point of Ca(ClO4)2 is 200°C. This temperature is the point at which solid Ca(ClO4)2 transforms into a liquid state. The melting point is important in determining the physical properties of Ca(ClO4)2, such as its ability to be used as a drying agent.
Calcium Perchlorate Density g/mL
The density of Ca(ClO4)2 is 2.505 g/mL. This value represents the amount of mass per unit volume of Ca(ClO4)2. The density of Ca(ClO4)2 is higher than water, which means that it sinks in water.
Calcium Perchlorate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Ca(ClO4)2 is 238.98 g/mol. This value represents the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in one molecule of Ca(ClO4)2. The molecular weight is important in determining the amount of Ca(ClO4)2 needed in a particular reaction.
Calcium Perchlorate Structure
The structure of Ca(ClO4)2 is composed of one Ca2+ ion and two ClO4- ions. The Ca2+ ion is located at the center of the structure and is surrounded by four oxygen atoms from two ClO4- ions. The ClO4- ions are tetrahedral in shape and are connected to the calcium ion through oxygen atoms.
Calcium Perchlorate Solubility
Ca(ClO4)2 is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 121 g/100 mL at 20°C. This solubility makes it useful as a drying agent because it can absorb water from its surroundings. However, it is insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.505 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 238.98 g/mol |
| Density | 2.505 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 200°C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling point |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | 121 g/100 mL at 20°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Not applicable |
Calcium Perchlorate Safety and Hazards
Ca(ClO4)2 poses several safety hazards, and appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling it. It is a strong oxidizer and can react with flammable materials, leading to fire or explosion. Inhalation of its dust or fumes can cause respiratory irritation, and skin contact can cause irritation or burns. It is also harmful if ingested, causing irritation or corrosion of the digestive tract. Adequate personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling Ca(ClO4)2, and it should be stored away from flammable materials and incompatible substances.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizing Agent, Harmful if ingested |
| Safety Description | Keep away from flammable materials and incompatible substances. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Avoid inhalation of dust or fumes. In case of contact, wash with plenty of water and seek medical attention if needed. |
| UN IDs | UN1502 |
| HS Code | 2829.9000 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 – Oxidizing substances |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Harmful if ingested, irritant to skin and respiratory system |
Calcium Perchlorate Synthesis Methods
One can synthesize Ca(ClO4)2 by reacting calcium hydroxide with perchloric acid or ammonium perchlorate.
One method involves the reaction of calcium carbonate with perchloric acid in a reaction vessel, followed by filtration and evaporation of the solution to obtain the solid product.
Another method involves the reaction of calcium oxide with an aqueous solution of perchloric acid, followed by filtration and drying of the resulting product.
In some cases, one can synthesize Ca(ClO4)2 by reacting calcium chloride with sodium perchlorate in a reaction vessel. One can filter and dry the product to obtain Ca(ClO4)2 after the reaction.
Another popular method for synthesizing Ca(ClO4)2 involves the reaction of calcium chloride with ammonium perchlorate, which produces Ca(ClO4)2 and ammonium chloride as byproducts. Pyrotechnic applications prefer this method due to its ability to yield high-purity Ca(ClO4)2.
It is important to note that when working with perchloric acid, appropriate safety measures should be taken, as it is a strong oxidizing agent and can react with organic materials, leading to fire or explosion
Calcium Perchlorate Uses
Ca(ClO4)2 has several uses in various industries and applications. Some of the uses of Ca(ClO4)2 are:
- Pyrotechnics: Commonly used in pyrotechnics as an oxidizing agent due to its high oxygen content and stability.
- Fertilizers: Used in fertilizers to supply calcium and chlorine to plants, which are essential nutrients for their growth.
- Rocket fuel: Used as a component of rocket fuel due to its high oxygen content and stability.
- Petroleum refining: Used in the petroleum industry to remove sulfur compounds from crude oil and other hydrocarbons.
- Airbag inflators: Used in the manufacture of airbag inflators due to its ability to rapidly decompose and generate gas.
- Signal flares: Used in the manufacture of signal flares due to its high oxygen content and stability.
- Metal surface treatment: Used in the treatment of metal surfaces to remove rust and other impurities.
- Laboratory applications: Used in various laboratory applications, such as in the preparation of perchloric acid and as a drying agent.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula of calcium perchlorate?
A: Ca(ClO4)2.
Q: Is calcium perchlorate ionic or covalent?
A: Ca(ClO4)2 is an ionic compound, as it is composed of calcium cations (Ca2+) and perchlorate anions (ClO4-).
Q: How to remove calcium perchlorate?
A: Ca(ClO4)2 can be removed by washing the affected area with water and then neutralizing any remaining traces of the compound with a weak base, such as sodium bicarbonate.
Q: Is calcium perchlorate soluble?
A: Yes, Ca(ClO4)2 is soluble in water and other polar solvents. Its solubility in water is about 120 g per 100 mL of water at room temperature.
Q: What reactions make calcium perchlorate and water?
A: Ca(ClO4)2 and water do not react with each other under normal conditions.
Q: How many chlorine atoms are in 0.650 mol of Ca(ClO4)2?
A: There are 5.88 x 10^23 chlorine atoms in 0.650 mol of Ca(ClO4)2.
Q: What is the molar mass of Ca(ClO4)2?
A: The molar mass of Ca(ClO4)2 is 238.98 g/mol.
Q: What is the activity coefficient of H in a solution containing 0.073 M HCl and 0.0090 M Ca(ClO4)2?
A: The activity coefficient of H in a solution containing 0.073 M HCl and 0.0090 M Ca(ClO4)2 depends on the temperature and other factors. It can be calculated using thermodynamic models and experimental data.
Q: How many moles are in 26.0 grams of Ca(ClO4)2?
A: There are 0.109 moles of Ca(ClO4)2 in 26.0 grams of the compound.