Perhalatos

Perhalatos are a class of chemical compounds containing the perhalate anion. The perhalate anion has the general formula [XO4]n−, where X is a halogen atom and n is the charge of the anion. The most common perhalates are derived from chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Examples include perchlorate (ClO4−), perbromate (BrO4−), and periodate (IO4−).

Perhalates are generally oxidizing agents, with their strength varying depending on the halogen. Perchlorates are the most common and widely used, often employed as oxidizers in rocket propellants and fireworks. Perbromates are less stable and less commonly encountered than perchlorates. Periodates exist in various forms, including metaperiodate (IO4−), orthoperiodate (IO65−), and paraperiodate (I4O93−), and are used as oxidizing agents in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry.

The perhalate anion is tetrahedral in structure, similar to the sulfate anion. The central halogen atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms. The stability and reactivity of perhalates are influenced by the electronegativity of the halogen and the surrounding chemical environment. They are typically formed by the oxidation of lower oxidation state halogen oxyanions.