Decomposition of Nitronium Perchlorate

The decomposition reaction for nitronium perchlorate is believed to involve the formation of nitrosonium perchlorate and oxygen. The other products (NO2, Cl2, ClO2) observed during the decomposition appear to be the result of the subsequent decomposition of nitrosonium perchlorate. This mechanism is clearly demonstrated in vacuo by a preponderance of oxygen in the volatiles during the early stages of the decomposition of nitronium perchlorate in vacuo and by the products of the latter stages which describe the decomposition of nitrosonium perchlorate. In sealed tubes, the reaction of dinitrogen tetroxide with nitronium perchlorate ultimately predominates, giving nitrosonium perchlorate and oxygen as products. This reaction is catalyzed by dinitrogen tetroxide.