Sodium perchlorate is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and commonly used as an oxidizing agent in various industrial processes.
| IUPAC Name | Sodium perchlorate |
| Molecular Formula | NaClO4 |
| CAS Number | 7601-89-0 |
| Synonyms | Perchloric acid, sodium salt; Perchlorate de sodium (French); Natriumperchlorat (German); Perclorato di sodio (Italian); Perclorato sódico (Spanish); UN 1502 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/ClHO4.Na/c2-1(3,4)5;/h(H,2,3,4,5);/q;+1/p-1 |
Sodium Perchlorate Properties
Sodium Perchlorate Formula
The chemical formula of sodium perchlorate is NaClO4. This means that the compound is made up of one sodium atom, one chlorine atom, and four oxygen atoms. Sodium perchlorate is a strong oxidizing agent that is commonly used in various industrial processes.
Sodium Perchlorate Molar Mass
The molar mass of NaClO4 is 122.44 g/mol. This means that one mole of NaClO4 contains 122.44 grams of the compound. The molar mass of a compound is important in determining the amount of the substance needed in a chemical reaction.
Sodium Perchlorate Boiling Point
The boiling point of NaClO4 is 545 °C (1013 hPa). This is the temperature at which the compound changes from a liquid to a gas. NaClO4 has a high boiling point due to the strong electrostatic forces between the sodium and perchlorate ions.
Sodium Perchlorate Melting Point
The melting point of NaClO4 is 482 °C. This is the temperature at which the compound changes from a solid to a liquid. NaClO4 has a high melting point due to the strong electrostatic forces between the sodium and perchlorate ions.
Sodium Perchlorate Density g/mL
The density of NaClO4 is 2.52 g/mL. This means that one milliliter of NaClO4 weighs 2.52 grams. The density of a substance is important in determining its physical properties, such as buoyancy and viscosity.
Sodium Perchlorate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of NaClO4 is 122.44 g/mol. This is the sum of the atomic weights of the sodium, chlorine, and oxygen atoms in the compound. The molecular weight of a compound is important in determining its physical and chemical properties.
Sodium Perchlorate Structure
The structure of NaClO4 is a crystal lattice consisting of Na+ cations and ClO4- anions. The sodium cations are surrounded by four oxygen atoms, while the ClO4- anions are made up of one chlorine atom and four oxygen atoms. The crystal lattice structure gives NaClO4 its characteristic physical and chemical properties.
Sodium Perchlorate Solubility
NaClO4 is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 209 g/100 mL at 20 °C. This means that a large amount of NaClO4 can dissolve in a small amount of water. The high solubility of NaClO4 makes it useful in various industrial processes, such as the production of ammonium perchlorate for rocket fuel.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.52 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 122.44 g/mol |
| Density | 2.52 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 482 °C |
| Boiling Point | 545 °C (1013 hPa) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | 209 g/100 mL at 20°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and ethanol |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Not available |
Sodium Perchlorate Safety and Hazards
NaClO4 is a hazardous compound that should be handled with care. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can react violently with organic materials, reducing agents, and other chemicals. Exposure to NaClO4 dust or vapors can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Ingestion of NaClO4 can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and vomiting. NaClO4 is also harmful to aquatic life and should be disposed of properly. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator should be worn when handling NaClO4 to prevent exposure. Proper ventilation and storage are also important to minimize the risk of accidents.
| Hazard Symbols | O, Xn |
| Safety Description | Do not breathe dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| UN IDs | UN1502 |
| HS Code | 2829.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Toxic if ingested, harmful if inhaled or in contact with skin. May cause irritation or corrosion. |
Sodium Perchlorate Synthesis Methods
Various methods can synthesize NaClO4.
One common method involves the reaction of sodium chlorate with hydrochloric acid, resulting in the formation of NaClO4 and sodium chloride.
Another method involves the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution in the presence of a perchlorate salt. The conversion of sodium chloride to sodium chlorate occurs, followed by the addition of hydrochloric acid, which converts it to NaClO4.
Another approach is the reaction of sodium chlorate with sodium chloride in the presence of sulfuric acid. This method produces a mixture of NaClO4 and sodium sulfate, which can be separated by fractional crystallization.
Another method involves the reaction of sodium chlorate with ammonium perchlorate, which produces NaClO4 and ammonium chloride. The production of NaClO4, commonly used as an oxidizer in solid rocket propellants, involves using this method.
The reaction of sodium hypochlorite with sodium chlorate in the presence of hydrochloric acid synthesizes NaClO4 as well. This method produces NaClO4 and sodium chloride as the main products.
Sodium Perchlorate Uses
NaClO4 has various uses across different industries. Here are some common applications of NaClO4:
- Rocket propellants: Commonly used as an oxidizer in solid rocket propellants due to its high oxygen content and high stability.
- Pyrotechnics: Used as an oxidizer in pyrotechnic compositions such as flares, fireworks, and signal flares.
- Analytical chemistry: Used as a source of perchlorate ions in analytical chemistry for the determination of ions in various samples.
- Electroplating: Used as a component in electroplating solutions to enhance the conductivity and stability of the plating bath.
- Batteries: Used as an electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries, due to its high solubility and ability to improve the electrochemical properties of the battery.
- Medical applications: Used in the treatment of thyroid disorders as a competitive inhibitor of iodide transport. Also used in the production of contrast agents for medical imaging.
- Water treatment: Used in water treatment as a disinfectant and to remove certain contaminants from water.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula for sodium perchlorate?
A: NaClO4.
Q: Is sodium perchlorate soluble in water?
A: Yes, NaClO4 is highly soluble in water.
Q: Is sodium perchlorate an acid or base?
A: NaClO4 is neither an acid nor a base. It is salt.
Q: What is the reaction of ammonium perchlorate and sodium bromide?
A: The reaction is: NH4ClO4 + NaBr → NaClO4 + NH4Br.
Q: How many sodium ions are in sodium perchlorate?
A: There is one sodium ion in NaClO4.
Q: Is NaClO4 an acid or base?
A: NaClO4 is neither an acid nor a base. It is a salt.
Q: What dissolved species are present in a solution of NaClO4?
A: In a solution of NaClO4, the dissolved species are Na+ and ClO4- ions.
Q: How many moles of oxygen are in 3.30 moles of NaClO4?
A: There are 13.2 moles of oxygen in 3.30 moles of NaClO4.
Q: Is NaClO4 soluble in water?
A: Yes, NaClO4 is highly soluble in water.
Q: How many moles of oxygen are in 1.10 moles of NaClO4?
A: There are 4.4 moles of oxygen in 1.10 moles of NaClO4.