The chloric acid is a chemical whose formula has industrial and cleaning uses. It can be purchased concentrated, obtained through various reactions, or by mixing other elements.
Chloric Acid Formula
It is a well-known oxacid of chlorine and a precursor to chlorate salt. It is a strong acid with oxidizing properties, which means it must be handled with care to avoid burns.
Known as “trioxochloric acid“, it appears after mixing sulfuric acid and barium chlorate. The result is the formula:
3HClO (chloric acid)
There are different ways to obtain it. One is by raising the temperature of hypochlorous acid, which, when subjected to this process, results in the chloric acid formula and hydrogen chloride, that is, the following formula: 3HClO → HClO3 + 2 HCl.
Uses of Chloric Acid
- Bleach
- Disinfectant
- Sewage treatment
In its hydrogen trioxochlorate 5 form, it is used for these purposes. Additionally, chloric acid in water is a stable solution up to a 30% concentration.
Moreover, chloric acid is used to remove impurities from metals such as pots, forks, knives, and teapots. These kitchen items easily gather dirt, and when chloric acid is applied, they change their appearance by releasing carbonates when submerged in water.
Properties
- Molar mass 84.45914 g mol−1 g/mol
- Density 1000 kg/m3; 1 g/cm3
- Boiling point at 313.15 K; 40 °C
- Melting point 523.15 K; 20 °C
- Acidity ca. −1 pKa
- Solubility in water >40 g/100 ml; 20 °C
This chlorine oxacid is strong, and whether it is produced using sulfuric acid and barium chlorate or through hypochlorous acid, the safety data sheet and its instructions should always be present.
It is presented in liquid form, without odor.
Composition
- 1 chlorine atom
- 1 hydrogen atom
- 3 oxygen atoms
Safety
As a strong oxidizer, it can cause violent reactions if it comes into contact with combustible or reducing substances.
It can cause explosions when decomposed by friction, shaking, or shock.
Do not mix with phosphorus, mercury, or sulfur, as this will result in a violent reaction that could cause fire and explosion.
When added to water, hydrogen chloride and chloric acid will appear.
It is dangerous to inhale. It can cause death if gas is lost.
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. It is highly corrosive upon contact, even with skin. Inhalation of chloric acid gases causes pulmonary edema with irreversible consequences. Symptoms may take some time to develop after exposure.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from combustible and reducing substances.
There must be ventilation at floor level.
In case of fire or high temperatures, storage must be maintained at low temperatures. Drums may be sprayed with water.
Whenever handling, gloves, goggles, suit, and respiratory protection should be used.