Perchloric acid’s chemical formula is HClO4. This acid is not usually used alone. It is used for a solvent for metals and alloys a dehydrating agent, particularly in the determination of silica in iron and steel and in cement and other silicate materials. It is also used as a solvent for sulfide ores for the determination of copper and other metals, in the separation and determination of the alkali metals sodium and potassium. In the manufacture of anhydrous magnesium perchlorate, the best of the absorbents for water in analytical work. It is also a strong standard acid for the titration of bases. A chemical reaction that takes place is actually in the air it self. If concentrated perchloric acid is placed in an open area it can dilute itself by absorbing the water from the air. Yes, this acid is extremely toxic. Once the acid is ingested, drink 8 ounces of water. Do not induce vomiting. References
1. http://safety.dri.edu/Hazards/PerchloricAcidGuidelines.pdf 2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3011312 3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrWPWJvzYIM 4. http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=++perchloric+acid&oq=++perchloric+acid&gs_l=serp.3..0l3j0i7.42199.42199.0.42357.1.1.0.0.0.0.107.107.0j1.1.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.5.psy-ab.y7INxxN91kw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=2d62ea3e02e90d8a&biw=1280&bih=648 5.
References: 1. http://safety.dri.edu/Hazards/PerchloricAcidGuidelines.pdf 2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3011312 3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrWPWJvzYIM 4. http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=++perchloric+acid&oq=++perchloric+acid&gs_l=serp.3..0l3j0i7.42199.42199.0.42357.1.1.0.0.0.0.107.107.0j1.1.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.5.psy-ab.y7INxxN91kw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=2d62ea3e02e90d8a&biw=1280&bih=648 5. http://code.google.com/p/acid-and-base/wiki/StrongWeakAcidsBases