Nitronium perchlorate Formula

Nitronium perchlorate, also known as nitryl perchlorate or nitroxyl perchlorate is an inorganic salt used as oxidizing and nitrating agent in chemical industry.

Formula and structure: The nitronium perchlorate chemical formula is NO₂ClO₄. Its molar mass is 145,4561 g mol^-1. Nitronium perchlorate molecule is formed by the anion perchlorate ClO₄^- and the cation nitronium NO₂⁺. These ions form monoclinic crystals by alternating ClO₄^- and NO₂⁺ ions in crystal cells. Its chemical structure can be written as below, in the common representations used for organic molecules.

Occurrence: similar to other perchlorates, nitronium perchlorate is rarely found in nature and most of them is synthesized by chemical industries. Most of perchlorate in nature is found in Atacama Desert in Chile, where it is in deposits of sodium nitrate.

Preparation: nitronium perchlorate is prepared from dinitrogen pentoxide and perchloric acid anhydrous; the reaction also forms nitric acid, which is immediately dissociated:

N₂O₅ + HClO₄ → NO₂ClO₄ + H⁺ + NO₃^-

Other synthesis route prepares the nitronium perchlorate from nitric acid:

HNO₃ + HClO₄ → NO₂ClO₄ + H₂O

Physical properties: Nitronium perchlorate is a colorless, odorless and hygroscopic crystal solid. Its melting point is 135 ºC and in temperatures >135 ºC it decomposes. Its density is 2.2 g mL^-1.It is slightly soluble in water and other polar solvents.

Chemical properties: nitronium perchlorate is a molecule with a high number of oxygen atoms. In consequence, nitronium perchlorate is a very strong oxidant agent. However, the use of NO₂ClO₄ is limited because this salt is hygroscopic and its hydrolysis from nitric acid and chloric acid:

NO₂ClO₄ + H₂O → H⁺ + NO₃⁺ + ClO₄^-

Uses: Nitronium perchlorate is used in chemical industry to promote oxidation and nitration in organic synthesis. Moreover, it is used as a potent oxidizer for high-energy rocket propellant preparations.

Health effects/safety hazards: Nitronium perchlorate is an irritating agent for eyes and skin. It can easily explode in presence of strong acids, reducing agents or flammable compounds.