Question

Draw structure of $HCl{{O}_{4}}$ .

Answer 1

Hint: The given compound is perchloric acid. Having a basic idea of bonds and the lone pairs of electrons will help us draw the structure of $HCl{{O}_{4}}$.

Complete Solution :
Let us have a quick look on the given compound and its properties before drawing the required structure:

- Perchloric acid-
It is also known as hyper chloric acid or hydroxidotrioxidochlorine. It is a corrosive (towards metals), odourless, colourless aqueous solution. It is used in making explosives, in rocket fuel and as a catalyst.
There are two methods for the preparation of the same. One of them is the most common and traditional method which involves treating sodium perchlorate $\left( NaCl{{O}_{4}} \right)$ with hydrochloric acid (HCl). The reaction can be stated as,
$NaCl{{O}_{4}}+HCl\to NaCl+HCl{{O}_{4}}$

There are some rules while drawing the structure of any compound:
1. Hydrogen cannot be the central metal atom.
2. The hydrogen must be bonded with oxygen atom (if oxoacids are present).
3. The atom having lowest electronegativity value is usually the central metal atom.
Now, while drawing the structure for $HCl{{O}_{4}}$ we will come across the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atoms. This will define the structure and its geometry, thus, the structure of $HCl{{O}_{4}}$ is:

Note: Inhalation of this vapour can cause irritation in lungs along with burning sensation in throat and nose. Ingestion can also cause vomiting and blistering in the stomach. So, proper care must be taken in the industries while production of perchloric acid.
Also, the IUPAC name of the compound is chloric (VII) acid along with other common names as mentioned above.