PERCHLORATE Meaning and
Definition
-
Perchlorate is a chemical compound typically composed of one chlorine atom and four oxygen atoms. It is an anionic species that is highly reactive and usually exists as a salt, such as sodium perchlorate or ammonium perchlorate.
In terms of its chemical structure, perchlorate is often characterized as a negatively charged ion due to its donation of one electron to an electron-deficient species. It exhibits a unique property of stability, making it quite resistant to decomposition under normal conditions.
Perchlorate compounds have various applications in industrial and manufacturing processes. For instance, ammonium perchlorate is commonly used as an oxidizer in solid rocket propellants. Additionally, perchlorate salts have been employed in the manufacturing of explosives, fireworks, and certain pyrotechnic devices.
However, perchlorate has also raised environmental and health concerns due to its potential for contamination. It is known to be water-soluble and can persist in the environment for long periods. Perchlorate contamination mainly arises from its extensive use in rocket fuel and military explosives. High levels of perchlorate in water sources can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly by interfering with iodide uptake, which is crucial for proper thyroid hormone synthesis.
Controlling and managing perchlorate contamination has become a significant concern, as it can negatively impact both human and environmental health. As a result, standards and regulations have been implemented to limit its presence in drinking water sources.
-
A compound of perchloric acid with a base.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PERCHLORATE
- oerchlorate
- lerchlorate
- -erchlorate
- 0erchlorate
- pwrchlorate
- psrchlorate
- pdrchlorate
- prrchlorate
- p4rchlorate
- p3rchlorate
- peechlorate
- pedchlorate
- pefchlorate
- petchlorate
- pe5chlorate
- pe4chlorate
- perxhlorate
- pervhlorate
- perfhlorate
- perrchlorate
- perclorate
- Perychloride
- Perclorat
- Hyperchromase
Etymology of PERCHLORATE
The word "perchlorate" is derived from the combination of two elements: "per" and "chlorate".
1) The prefix "per-" in chemistry denotes the highest oxidation state of an element or compound. It comes from the Latin word "per", meaning "through" or "thoroughly". In the case of perchlorate, it indicates a higher level of chlorination or oxidation compared to other types of chlorates.
2) The term "chlorate" refers to a compound that contains chlorine in the +5 oxidation state. It stems from the Latin word "chloratum" and the Greek term "chlōrós", both meaning "greenish-yellow".
When these two components are combined, "perchlorate" is formed, referring to a compound or ion with the highest oxidation state of chlorine (+7).
Similar spelling words for PERCHLORATE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
