Where Is Perchloric Acid Used?

Uses. Perchloric acid is used to separate potassium from sodium, and in many laboratory tests and industrial processes. Uses for the salts of perchloric acid include explosives and plating metals. Perchloric acid may explode, and it decomposes on heating producing toxic and corrosive fumes.

Where can I find perchloric acid?

Perchloric acid is produced industrially by two routes. The traditional method exploits the high aqueous solubility of sodium perchlorate (209 g/100 mL of water at room temperature). Treatment of such solutions with hydrochloric acid gives perchloric acid, precipitating solid sodium chloride: NaClO₄ + HCl → NaCl + HClO.

What is perchloric acid stored in?

Perchloric acid should be stored in its original container with its label intact and be placed in a ceramic or plastic container large enough to contain the entire contents. It should never be stored in a wooden cabinet or shelves lined with paper.