What is the correct name for the acid with the formula HClO4?

• A. Hypochlorous acid
• B. Chloric acid
• C. Perchloric acid
• D. Hydrochloric acid

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central element in the acid formula HClO4, which is chlorine (Cl).
2. Recognize that oxyacids of chlorine have different names depending on the number of oxygen atoms bonded to chlorine.
3. Recall the naming pattern for chlorine oxyacids: Hypochlorous acid (HClO), Chlorous acid (HClO2), Chloric acid (HClO3), and Perchloric acid (HClO4).
4. Since the formula is HClO4, which has four oxygen atoms, it corresponds to the acid with the highest number of oxygens in this series, named Perchloric acid.
5. Confirm that the correct name for HClO4 is Perchloric acid, distinguishing it from Hydrochloric acid (HCl) which contains no oxygen.