Perchloric Acid and Perchlorates

Abstract Perchlorates are chlorine oxyanions in which the chlorine is present in its highest oxidation state ( \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${{\rm{+}}7}$\end{document} ). The most outstanding property of the perchlorates, which are more stable than other chlorine oxyanions, is their oxidizing ability. Most cations form perchlorate compounds. Commercially, one of the most important compounds of this class is ammonium perchlorate, used as an oxidizer in propellant formulations for solid rocket fuel. Perchlorates are also used in explosives and pyrotechnics, in dry batteries, and in oxygen‐generation systems. Commercial perchlorates are prepared by electrochemical oxidation. Perchloric acid, commercially available as a 72% aqueous solution, is one of the strongest of the mineral acids. Properties, manufacturing, and uses of these compounds are described.