Overview

The perchlorates (per-KLOR-ates) are a family of compounds consisting of salts of perchloric acid, HClO₄. The family consists of dozens of compounds, the most important of which are ammonium perchlorate (NH₄ClO₄), potassium perchlorate (KClO₄), and sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄).

Key Facts

Other Names:

See Overview

Formula:

-ClO₄

Elements:

Chlorine and oxygen, in combination with other ions

Compound Type:

Inorganic salts

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

117.49 to 138.55 g/mol

Melting Point:

Ammonium perchlorate: Decomposes explosively when heated; Potassium perchlorate: 525°C (977°F); Sodium perchlorate: 480°C (896°F)

Boiling Point:

Not applicable; all decompose at or above melting points

Solubility:

Soluble in water; ammonium perchlorate is also soluble in methyl alcohol and slightly soluble in ethyl alcohol

Although perchlorates have been known since the early nineteenth century, they were not produced commercially until the 1890s. Even then, they were not produced in large volumes until World War II (1939–1945), when they were made...