Perchlorate
Perchlorate is the polyatomic anion ClO₄⁻, with chlorine in the +7 oxidation state, and the name for salts containing this ion.
Chlorine: Chlorine is a chemical element with atomic number 17 and a range of oxidation states. Perchlorate contains chlorine at its highest common oxidation state.
Perchlorate reduction: Perchlorate reduction is the stepwise microbial or chemical conversion of ClO₄⁻ to lower oxidation-state chlorine compounds. This reaction converts perchlorate into chlorate, chlorite, and ultimately chloride.
Ammonium perchlorate: Ammonium perchlorate is the ionic compound NH₄ClO₄, widely used as a solid rocket propellant oxidizer. It supplies oxygen for combustion in many composite solid propellants.
Environmental contamination: Environmental contamination is the presence of substances in air, water, or soil at levels that can cause harm. Perchlorate released from manufacturing and propellant use can persist in water and soil.
Perchloric acid: Perchloric acid is HClO₄, a strong acid that forms perchlorate salts when it loses a proton. The acid is the protonated counterpart of the perchlorate anion.
Oxygen: Oxygen is a chemical element with atomic number 8 that commonly forms two bonds in compounds. Four oxygen atoms surround chlorine in the perchlorate ion.
Perchlorate reductase: Perchlorate reductase is a microbial enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of perchlorate and chlorate. The enzyme initiates the microbial pathway that removes perchlorate from anoxic environments.
Potassium perchlorate: Potassium perchlorate is the inorganic salt KClO₄, used in pyrotechnics and some laboratory applications. Its low solubility and oxidizing properties suit particular pyrotechnic mixtures.
Thyroid: The thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Perchlorate can interfere with the thyroid’s uptake of iodide.
Chlorate: Chlorate is the anion ClO₃⁻, in which chlorine has oxidation state +5. It has one fewer oxygen atom and a lower chlorine oxidation state than perchlorate.