Decomposition of nitronium perchlorate

The decomposition of nitronium perchlorate between 70° and 112° C. has been reported by Cordes (2) to proceed to the gaseous products NO2, Cl2, C102, NO3CI, and 02. As a result of some screening experiments we were aware that at 65° C. in sealed tubes, nitrosonium perchlorate was a major decomposition product. We were also aware that dinitrogen tetroxide, at least in the liquid phase, would quantitatively convert nitronium perchlorate to nitrosonium perchlorate. Thus, a mechanism involving only gaseous products appeared unlikely. 

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