|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Types of Bonding in Potassium Perchlorate Molecule

Potassium perchlorate, denoted by the chemical formula KClO4, is an inorganic salt used used as an oxidizer in fireworks, explosive primers, propellants and ammunition percussion caps. The colorless, crystalline solid is toxic to humans. It may be absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested. It's toxic to the lungs and mucous membranes and will produce organ damage with repeated exposure. Also termed perchloric acid, potassium salt and potassium hyperchloride, it has a molecular weight of 138.55.

  1. Single Covalent Bond

    • In a single covalent bond, two atoms share a pair of electrons. In the potassium perchlorate molecule, an atom of the chemical element, Chlorine (Cl), shares a single covalent bond with an oxygen (O) atom.

    Polar Covalent Bond

    • In a polar covalent bond, the electrons shared by two atoms spend more time around one atom that the other. In a potassium perchlorate molecule, the single covalent bond between the chlorine (Cl) and one of the oxygen (O) atoms can be further categorized as a polar covalent bond because oxygen atom has a partial negative charge.

    Double Covalent Bond

    • A double covalent bond is one in which two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. In a potassium perchlorate molecule, the Chlorine (Cl) atom, shares a double covalent bond with three oxygen (O) atoms.

Public Health - Related Articles