Substance profile
Perchloric Acid
Perchloric Acid is colorless, oily liquid and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Perchloric Acid is
Perchloric Acid is colorless, oily liquid and is odorless. It melts at -112 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 3rd degree.
02 · Identifiers
Perchloric Acid identifiers and molecular data
Perchloric Acid CAS number and EC number
Perchloric Acid molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Perchloric Acid
- perchloric acid ... %
03 · GHS classification
Perchloric Acid hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Perchloric Acid pictograms and signal word
Perchloric Acid hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxidising liquids or Oxidising solids | Category 1 | H271 | GHS03 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 1A or 1B or 1C | H314 | GHS05 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
Perchloric Acid hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H271 | May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Perchloric Acid. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Perchloric Acid
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of Perchloric Acid issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
Perchloric Acid precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 5 precautionary statements to Perchloric Acid. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Perchloric Acid name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | перхлорна киселина … % |
| Spanish español | Ácido perclórico al … % |
| Czech čeština | kyselina chloristá … % |
| Danish dansk | perchlorsyre … % |
| German Deutsch | Perchlorsäure … % |
| Estonian eesti | perkloorhape … % |
| Greek ελληνικά | υπερχλωρικό οξύ … % |
| English English | perchloric acid … % |
| French français | acide perchlorique à … % |
| Croatian hrvatski | perklorna kiselina … % |
| Italian italiano | acido perclorico …% |
| Latvian latviešu | perhlorskābe … % |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | … % perchlorato rūgštis |
| Hungarian magyar | perklórsav … % |
| Maltese Malti | aċidu perkloriku … % |
| Dutch Nederlands | perchloorzuur … % |
| Polish polski | kwas chlorowy(VII) … % kwas nadchlorowy …% |
| Portuguese português | ácido perclórico a ... % |
| Romanian română | acid percloric ... % |
| Slovak slovenčina | kyselina chloristá ... % |
| Slovenian slovenščina | perklorova kislina ... % |
| Finnish suomi | perkloorihappo… % |
| Swedish svenska | perklorsyra ... % |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Perchloric Acid GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Perchloric Acid, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Perchloric Acid
- May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser.
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Do NOT induce vomiting.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Perchloric Acid in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Perchloric Acid health hazards and exposure limits
Perchloric Acid hazard summary
Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] High inhalation exposure can cause pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; Causes liver injury in high-dose animal studies; [HSDB] Evolves heat when mixed with water--may explode; [Merck Index] A strong oxidant--a fire and explosion hazard; Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Perchloric Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Perchloric Acid boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 19 °C (66.2 °F) | at 11 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB |
Perchloric Acid melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -112 °C (-169.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -112.22 °C (-170 °F) | CAMEO |
Perchloric Acid density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.768 g/cm³ | at 22 °C | HSDB |
| 1.76 g/cm³ | at 22 °C | ICSC | |
| 25 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Perchloric Acid solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | MISCIBLE IN COLD WATER | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: miscible | ICSC |
Perchloric Acid vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 6.8 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Perchloric Acid lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | DECOMP WHEN DISTILLED AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, SOMETIMES WITH EXPLOSIVE VIOLENCE. ... UNDERGOES SPONTANEOUS & EXPLOSIVE DECOMP... | HSDB |
Perchloric Acid vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.5 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Perchloric Acid fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Perchloric Acid fire potential
AQ ACID...MAY DEFLAGRATE IN CONTACT WITH OXIDIZABLE SUBSTANCES. /AQUEOUS SOLN/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Fire and explosion
SOME INORG MATERIALS, SUCH AS HYPOPHOSPHITES, TEND TO FORM EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES WITH PERCHLORIC ACID WHEN HOT. EXPLOSIONS MAY OCCUR WHEN 72% PERCHLORIC ACID IS USED FOR DETERMINATION OF CHROMIUM IN STEEL. ...REACTION OF ANHYDROUS...ACID WITH SULFUR TRIOXIDE IS VIOLENT...DROP OF ANHYDROUS...ACID ON WOOD FIBERS OR DUST CAUSES VIOLENT EXPLOSION. ANHYDROUS PERCHLORIC ACID CAN DECOMPOSE EXPLOSIVELY @ ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE. WHEN BIS(2-HYDROXYETHYL)-TEREPHTHALATE, BEING REFLUXED WITH 5% PERCHLORIC ACID IN ETHYL ALCOHOL, WAS ALLOWED TO GO TO DRYNESS, THERE WAS A VIOLENT EXPLOSION.
Source: HSDB
EXPLOSIONS INVOLVING.../ACETIC ACID AND PERCHLORIC ACID/ HAVE OCCURRED IN ELECTROLYTIC POLISHING BATHS. VIOLENCE IN SOME CASES APPROACHED THAT OF A TRUE HIGH EXPLOSIVE. CONTACT OF HOT, CONCN PERCHLORIC ACID WITH ALCOHOLS OR CELLULOSE IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS. ...ANILINE TREATED WITH PERCHLORIC ACID, THEN FORMALDEHYDE, GIVES RESINOUS CONDENSATION PRODUCT WHICH BURNS WITH EXPLOSIVE VIOLENCE. ...DROP OF ANHYDROUS...ACID IN DIETHYL ETHER CAUSES...EXPLOSION. DROP OF ANHYDROUS PERCHLORIC ACID ON CHARCOAL CAUSES VIOLENT EXPLOSION. ...70% PERCHLORIC ACID SOLN REACTS INSTANTLY & EXPLOSIVELY ON CONTACT WITH DIBUTYL SULFOXIDE.
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
Perchloric Acid storage and handling
Perchloric Acid safe storage
Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Perchloric Acid storage conditions
REAGENT BOTTLE--MAX 1-LB, GLASS-STOPPERED, GLASS BOTTLE; KEPT IN A HEAVY GLASS TRAY WITH LARGER CAPACITY. ADDN LAB STORAGE SHOULD BE IN ORIGINAL BOTTLES INSIDE A GLASS CONTAINER PADDED WITH GLASS WOOL & HAVING GREATER CAPACITY THAN THE CONTAINER. CARBOYS & LARGE BOTTLES SHOULD BE STORED ON ACID-RESISTING NONCOMBUSTIBLE SHELVES, IN A NONCOMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURE. ALL STORAGE MUST BE SEPARATED FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, ORG MATERIALS, STRONG DEHYDRATING AGENTS, OXIDIZING & REDUCING AGENTS. ...MUST BE STORED WHERE IT WILL NOT FREEZE... PROTECT AGAINST PHYSICAL DAMAGE. ELECTRICAL WIRING...IN STORAGE AREAS MUST BE OF WATERTIGHT TYPE TO PROTECT AGAINST CORROSIVE ACTION OF VAPORS.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Perchloric Acid incompatible materials
MIXTURES OF.../ACETIC ACID, PERCHLORIC ACID AND ACETIC ANHYDRIDE/ HAVE VARYING DEGREES OF SENSITIVITY TO SHOCK. ...ADDITION OF ACETIC ANHYDRIDE TO AQ SOLN OF PERCHLORIC ACID CAUSES FORMATION OF ACETIC ACID WHICH CAN REACT VIOLENTLY WITH PERCHLORIC ACID.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Perchloric Acid reactivity
PERCHLORIC ACID, WITH MORE THAN 50% BUT NOT MORE THAN 72% ACID is a solution of a strong oxidizing acid. May react vigorously or deflagrate when mixed with oxidizable material [Merck]. This includes (but is not limited to) alcohols, amines, boranes, dicyanogen, hydrazines, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, nitroalkanes, powdered metals, silanes, or thiols [Bretherick 1979. p.174]. Perchloric acid ignites on contact with sulfinyl chloride. (Bailar, 1973, Vol. 2, 1442).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Perchloric Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Perchloric Acid UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
The same CAS number is shipped under more than one UN number. Which entry applies follows from the form and the concentration of the consignment — read the proper shipping name, not the CAS.
Perchloric Acid under UN 1802 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERCHLORIC ACID with not more than 50 % acid, by mass | 8 | CO1 | II | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 8 is “Corrosive substances” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perchloric acid with not more than 50 percent acid by mass | 8 | II | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 8 is “Corrosive material” (49 CFR 173.2).
Perchloric Acid under UN 1873 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERCHLORIC ACID with more than 50 % but not more than 72 % acid, by mass | 5.1 | OC1 | I | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 5.1 is “Oxidizing substances” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perchloric acid with more than 50 percent but not more than 72 percent acid, by mass | 5.1 | I | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 5.1 is “Oxidizer” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Perchloric Acid — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Perchloric Acid?
The CAS number of Perchloric Acid is 7601-90-3. Its EC number is 231-512-4.
What does a Perchloric Acid label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Perchloric Acid carries the pictograms Flame over circle and Corrosion and the signal word is Danger.
Is Perchloric Acid flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns Perchloric Acid no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it.
Is Perchloric Acid a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Perchloric Acid. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the boiling point of Perchloric Acid?
The boiling point reported for Perchloric Acid is 19 °C (66.2 °F), at 11 mmHg (reduced pressure) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Perchloric Acid?
The melting point reported for Perchloric Acid is -112 °C (-169.6 °F) (HSDB).
How should Perchloric Acid be stored?
REAGENT BOTTLE--MAX 1-LB, GLASS-STOPPERED, GLASS BOTTLE; KEPT IN A HEAVY GLASS TRAY WITH LARGER CAPACITY. ADDN LAB STORAGE SHOULD BE IN ORIGINAL BOTTLES INSIDE A GLASS CONTAINER PADDED WITH GLASS WOOL & HAVING GREATER CAPACITY THAN THE CONTAINER. CARBOYS & LARGE BOTTLES SHOULD BE STORED ON ACID-RESISTING NONCOMBUSTIBLE SHELVES, IN A NONCOMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURE. ALL STORAGE MUST BE SEPARATED FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, ORG MATERIALS, STRONG DEHYDRATING AGENTS, OXIDIZING & REDUCING AGENTS. ...MUST BE STORED WHERE IT WILL NOT FREEZE... PROTECT AGAINST PHYSICAL DAMAGE. ELECTRICAL WIRING...IN STORAGE AREAS MUST BE OF WATERTIGHT TYPE TO PROTECT AGAINST CORROSIVE ACTION OF VAPORS. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Perchloric Acid
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