Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 14:56:51 -0400
Reply-To: Mark Mellum <mark**At_Symbol_Here**GFSCHEMICALS.COM>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Mark Mellum <mark**At_Symbol_Here**GFSCHEMICALS.COM>
Subject: Re: Mixtures of Oleum and Perchloric acid
Comments: To: Little Helga
In-Reply-To: <B478FE90ACFE421EBA0487FEAA0FCD92**At_Symbol_Here**yourfsyly0jtwn>

Anhydrous perchloric acid is not stable and sulfuric acid will not help to stabilize it.  I would expect such a mixture to explode within minutes if not immediately.  This procedure is not the same as making perchloric acid in acetic acid for use as a non-aqueous titrant.  In that solution, the perchlorate is still in the form of a dihydrate so is stable.  Sulfuric acid and oleum are strong dehydrating agents that will remove the water of hydration from perchloric acid, making it unstable.

GFS Chemicals has a long history of making perchloric acid and perchlorate salts.  In the past, we made anhydrous perchlorate as a raw material that was consumed shortly after being made.  We stopped that practice more than 30 years ago.  I forwarded this email to our retired chief chemist for his comments.  He actually worked with anhydrous perchloric acid during his tenure here.  While I wait for his response I felt compelled to send this warning. 

Best regards,
Mark Mellum
Regulatory Compliance Manager
GFS Chemicals, Inc. 
614-224-5345 x 112
Fax  614-225-1175
mdmellum**At_Symbol_Here**gfschemicals.com

Please visit our catalog at our website:

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From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Little Helga
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 6:52 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Mixtures of Oleum and Perchloric acid

Does anyone know of a potential hazard of mixing 70% perchloric acid with oleum (% SO3 to react with most of the water in the perchloric acid).

 

The research group is trying to make ~100% sulfuric acid and ~100% perchloric acid to oxidize small quanities of carbon (graphite) at temperatures ranging up to 70 C. The group understands the usual problems with handling oleum and they know that 100% perchloric acid by its self is a major safety problem.

 

Concentrations of the "100% perchloric acid" would be in the range of 10 to 30% in the oleum.

 

Bob Small

RS Associates

Tucson, AZ

 

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