Perchloric acid is an
inorganic compound with the formula HClO
4. Usually found as an aqueous solution, this colorless compound is a stronger acid than
sulfuric and
nitric acid. It is a powerful
oxidizer when hot, but its aqueous solutions up to approximately 70
nd room temperature are generally safe, only showing strong acid features and no oxidizing properties. Perchloric acid is useful for preparing
perchlorate salts, especially
ammonium perchlorate, an important
rocket fuel. Overall, perchloric acid is dangerously corrosive and readily forms potentially explosive mixtures.