Chloric Acid
Chloric Acid
CHLORIC ACID
Chloric acid is a strong acid like nitric acid. This is an inorganic oxoacid of chlorine. It is reactive to prepare some chlorate salts as well as other chemical products as it is a precursor of chlorate salts. It is used as a reagent in the making of several chemicals. It is a colorless liquid. if heated above 40°C, it decomposes and forms explosive chlorine dioxide gas.
It is an oxidizing agent. Coming in contact with combustible materials enhances the burning to ignite. Chloric acid is corrosive to tissues and metals and a conjugate acid of chlorate. It has a molecular shape as pyramidal. The salt is formed by one chloric anion and a hydrogen proton. The chlorine atom has an electron pair that forms a pyramidal structure. Thermodynamically, Chloric acid is unstable concerning disproportionation. But it is stable in cold aqueous solution up to a concentration of approximately 30%. Its odor is pungent. It may explode from contamination under some conditions. It containers may explode if heated. Inhalation, contact (skin, eyes), and ingestion with substance may cause severe injury, burns, or even death. Fire may produce irritating, and toxic gases. Another hazard is that runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
It is self-reactive. Chloric acid reacts with vigor even explodes with other metal sulfides, also arsenic sulfide and concentrated solutions of chloric acid react with incandescence.
USES AND APPLICATIONS of CHLORIC ACID
- It is used to prepare chloride salts together with other chlorine species.
- It is also an oxidizer agent.
- Due to its oxidizer characteristic, it should be used very carefully and must avoid contact with other chemical compounds.
- It easily reacts oxidizing many compounds as Chloric acid is a strong acid.