Difference between revisions of "Potassium perchlorate"
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==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
| − | Potassium perchlorate can be found in certain antithyroid medications, albeit the quantity is small. The sale of potassium perchlorate is regulated due to its powerful oxidizing properties. | + | Potassium perchlorate can be found in certain antithyroid medications, albeit the quantity is small. The sale of potassium perchlorate is regulated in most countries due to its powerful oxidizing properties. |
==Preparation== | ==Preparation== | ||
| − | Potassium perchlorate can be prepared by reacting a potassium salt, usually [[potassium chloride]] with [[sodium perchlorate]]. Potassium perchlorate will precipitate due to its low solubility. Filter and dry the perchlorate precipitate. While | + | Potassium perchlorate can be prepared by reacting a potassium salt, usually [[potassium chloride]] with [[sodium perchlorate]]. Potassium perchlorate will precipitate due to its low solubility. Filter and dry the perchlorate precipitate. |
| + | |||
| + | While KClO<sub>4</sub> can also be prepared by electrolysis of [[potassium chloride]] in water, the yield is very poor, due to its low solubility, as well as the low solubility of its precursor, [[potassium chlorate]]. | ||
==Projects== | ==Projects== | ||
Revision as of 16:59, 18 May 2016
Potassium perchlorate is the inorganic salt with the chemical formula KClO4.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Just like any perchlorate, this salt is a strong oxidizer and reacts violently with many organic substances at elevated temperatures.
It reacts with a strong acid, such as sulfuric acid, to release perchloric acid.
- KClO4 + H2SO4 → KHSO4 + HClO4
Physical
Potassium perchlorate is a colorless, crystalline solid salt. It has the lowest solubility in water of any alkali perchlorate, 1.5 g / 100 ml water at 25 °C. It is not hygroscopic and does not form hydrates.
Availability
Potassium perchlorate can be found in certain antithyroid medications, albeit the quantity is small. The sale of potassium perchlorate is regulated in most countries due to its powerful oxidizing properties.
Preparation
Potassium perchlorate can be prepared by reacting a potassium salt, usually potassium chloride with sodium perchlorate. Potassium perchlorate will precipitate due to its low solubility. Filter and dry the perchlorate precipitate.
While KClO4 can also be prepared by electrolysis of potassium chloride in water, the yield is very poor, due to its low solubility, as well as the low solubility of its precursor, potassium chlorate.
Projects
- Flash powder
- Colored star compositions
- Oxygen source
Handling
Safety
Potassium perchlorate is a very powerful oxidizer. When handling it, it should be kept away from any open flame as well as organic substances. Unlike the chlorate salt, perchlorate mixtures with sulfur are stable.
It is moderate toxic, in large amounts interferes with iodine uptake into the thyroid gland.
Storage
Potassium perchlorate must be stored away from any strong mineral acid as well as any reducing agent, in sealed bottles. As it is not hygroscopic, it does not require dry environment.
Disposal
Potassium perchlorate can be neutralized by reacting it with a reducing agent.
Perchlorates can be destroyed with metallic iron under UV light, in the absence of air.[1]
