Potassium perchlorate

Potassium perchlorate is the inorganic salt with the chemical formula KClO₄.

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 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 it can also be prepared by electrolysis, the yield is very poor, because of its low solubility.

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.