Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-06-24 15:20:02 UTC
Update Date2026-05-14 19:05:56 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM001660
Identification
Common NamePotassium perchlorate
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionPotassium perchlorate is the inorganic salt with the chemical formula KClO4. Like other perchlorates, this salt is a strong oxidizer and reacts with many organic substances. It is usually obtained as a colorless, crystalline powder. It is one of the most common oxidizers used in fireworks, ammunition percussion caps, explosive primers, and is used variously in propellants, flash compositions, stars, and sparklers. It has been used as a solid rocket propellant, although in that application it has mostly been replaced by the higher performance ammonium perchlorate. KClO4 has the lowest solubility of the alkali metal perchlorates (1.5 g in 100 g of water at 25
Contaminant Sources
  • HPV EPA Chemicals
  • T3DB toxins
  • ToxCast & Tox21 Chemicals
Contaminant Type
  • Food Toxin
  • Inorganic Compound
  • Lachrymator
  • Perchlorate
  • Synthetic Compound
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
ValueSource
PerchloracapKegg
Potassium perchloric acidGenerator
Potassium perchlateGenerator
Potassium perchlic acidGenerator
Chemical FormulaClKO4
Average Molecular Mass138.549 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass137.912 g/mol
CAS Registry Number7778-74-7
IUPAC Namepotassium perchlorate
Traditional Namepotassium perchlorate
SMILES[K]O[Cl](=O)(=O)=O
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/ClHO4.K/c2-1(3,4)5;/h(H,2,3,4,5);/q;+1/p-1
InChI KeyYLMGFJXSLBMXHK-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as alkali metal perchlorates. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is perchlorate, and in which the heaviest atom not in an oxoanion is an alkali metal.
KingdomInorganic compounds
Super ClassMixed metal/non-metal compounds
ClassAlkali metal oxoanionic compounds
Sub ClassAlkali metal perchlorates
Direct ParentAlkali metal perchlorates
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Alkali metal perchlorate
  • Inorganic oxide
  • Inorganic salt
Molecular FrameworkNot Available
External DescriptorsNot Available
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological RolesNot Available
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceColourless/white crystalline powder (4).
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point525°C
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility15 mg/mL at 25°C [ASHFORD,RD (1994)]
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP0.051ChemAxon
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count3ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area60.44 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count1ChemAxon
Refractivity11.82 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability7.13 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings0ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterNoChemAxon
Veber's RuleNoChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
SpectraNot Available
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureInhalation (3) ; oral (3) ; dermal (3) ; eye contact (3).
Mechanism of ToxicityThe primary and most sensitive target of the perchlorate anion (perchlorate) is the thyroid gland. Perchlorate inhibits the transport of iodide (I-) from the blood into the thyroid follicle cells. The inhibition is thought to be accomplished by perchlorate competitively blocking iodide binding to a carrier, or sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), which catalyzes the simultaneous transfer of Na+ and I-across the basolateral membrane of thyroid follicle cells. Perchlorate inhibition of the NIS can limit the availability of iodide needed for the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (7) and triiodothyronine (6), which in turn, may affect the circulating levels of T4 and T3. All known effects of perchlorate on the thyroid hormone system derive directly or secondarily from the inhibition of the NIS. T3 is essential for normal development of the nervous system and for the regulation of metabolism of cells in nearly all tissues of the body. Disruption in the availability of T3 in target tissues can result in adverse effects on a wide variety of organs and systems (3).
MetabolismThere is no evidence that potasssium perchlorate is metabolized in the body. It is rapidly eliminated from the body through the urinary tract (3).
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 3621 mg/kg (Oral, Mouse) (3)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesBreathing in contaminated air; drinking contaminated water; eating contaminated food; dermal and eye exposure (3).
Minimum Risk LevelChronic Oral: 0.0007 mg/kg/day (5)
Health EffectsAdverse effects on a wide variety of organ systems can result from disruption in the availability of T3 to target tissues. Organ systems affected by disturbances in T3 levels include the skin, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, liver, blood, neuromuscular system, central nervous system, skeleton, male and female reproductive systems, and numerous endocrine organs, including the pituitary and adrenal glands. Such an array of secondary potential targets underscores the need to maintain an adequate level of circulating thyroid hormones. Perchlorate, an environmental contaminant, is known to disturb the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis by blocking iodide accumulation in the thyroid. Iodide deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter (3, 1).
SymptomsIrritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system, depending on the route of exposure. Esophageal or gastrointestinal tract irritation could occur following exposures (3).
TreatmentIn case of oral exposure, immediately dilute with 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 mol) of water or milk. Consider after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 1 hour). Protect airway by placement in Trendelenburg and left lateral decubitus position or by endotracheal intubation. Control any seizures first. Maintain ventilation and oxygenation and evaluate with frequent arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry monitoring. Early use of PEEP and mechanical ventilation may be needed. Following inhalation, Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. In case of acute lung injury, maintain ventilation and oxygenation and evaluate with frequent arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry monitoring. Following eye exposure, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Following dermal exposure, remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists. Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical therapy. Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity reactions may require treatment with systemic or topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. (8)
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDDB09418
HMDB IDNot Available
FooDB IDNot Available
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkPotassium perchlorate
Chemspider IDNot Available
ChEBI IDNot Available
PubChem Compound ID24505
Kegg Compound IDNot Available
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSNot Available
General ReferencesNot Available