Oxidizing agents organic perchlorates

Perchloric acid, HC104, is prepared by the action of concentrated hydrochloric acid on sodium perchlorate, followed by distillation. It is a colorless liquid and the strongest of all common acids. Because chlorine has its highest oxidation number, +7, in these compounds, they are powerful oxidizing agents contact between perchloric acid and even a small amount of organic material can result in a dangerous explosion. 

Hazards arising from the oxidation of organic compounds are greater when the reactants are volatile, or present as a dust or an aerosol. Liquid oxygen and various concentrated acids, e.g. nitric, sulphuric or perchloric acid, and chromic acid are strong oxidizing agents. The use of perchloric acid or perchlorates has resulted in numerous explosions their use should be avoided when possible (refer to Table 6.5). 

Chlorate. Potassium chlorate, [CAS 3811-04-9], chlorate of potash, KCIO, white solid, soluble, mp about 350°C, powerful oxidizing agent, and consequently a fire hazard with dry organic materials, such as clothes, and with sulfur upon heating oxygen is liberated and the residue is potassium chloride formed by electrolysis of potassium chloride solution under proper conditions, Used (l)m matches, (2) in pyrotechnics, (3) as disinfectant, (4) as a source of oxygen upon heating, (Hazardous Use of potassium perchlorate is recommended instead )... 

A procedure for the direct determination of the sulfate, sulfide, pyritic, and organic sulfur in a single sample of coal has been reported by McGowan and Markuszewski (17). The method uses various strengths of perchloric acid as the selective oxidizing agent. The results obtained for the analysis of three coals were comparable to ASTM results and the relative standard deviations for nine sulfate, four pyritic, six organic, and four total recovered sulfur determinations were 2.7, 3.4, 2.4, and 2.4%, respectively. 

Mg(Ci04)2 (Anhydrone) Mg(C104)2 6H2O Caution This is an oxidizing agent. Cloth and other organic materials impregnated with perchlorate can be flammable. 

Anhydrous perchloric acid is a powerful oxidizing agent that reacts explosively with many organic and inorganic materials. On decomposition, various gaseous products are formed. However, aqueous solutions of perchloric acid are not oxidizing at room temperature. This is explained on the basis of kinetic activation barriers. Most metals form perchlorate salts, and even molecular compounds, such as NO and NO2, also react with it to form ionic compoimds such as [NO]+ [0104]. Ammonium perchlorate is used as a solid-fuel propellant, particularly in missiles. Potassium perchlorate is also used in pyrotechnic formulations such as fireworks and flares. 

Among the strong oxidizing agents, perchloric acid is probably the most hazardous. It can form heavy metal and organic perchlorates that are explosive, and it can react explosively if it comes in contact with organic compounds. 

The trifluoromethanesulfonates have certain advantages over perchlorates (nonexplosive) and tetrafluoroborates (even less reactive toward oxidizing agents) [447]. The tetraalky-lammonium trifluoromethanesulfonates are just as soluble or more soluble in the commonly used organic solvents than the corresponding perchlorates or fluoroborates. They can be prepared either by metathesis or by alkylation of a tertiary amine by an ester of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. 

Sulphuric acid is commonly used with other acids and reagents. Two of the most frequent combinations are with perchloric acid or hydrogen peroxide. Sulphuric acid can act as a dehydrating agent and dramatically increase the oxidizing power of perchloric acid however, the mixture can react explosively with organic matrices in closed vessels or if heated too rapidly. 

Perchlorates and perchloric acid, HCIO4, are powerful oxidizing agents perchloric acid in contact with small amounts of organic materials may explode. 

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