Pure HClO4 is molecular. In water it is a strong acid. Write an equation for its ionization in water. Use minimal integer numbers to balance the reaction. Include physical states in your answer, e.g., start with HClO4(l).

My answer was incorrect and I'm not sure why. Can anyone show me how to do this?

Question

Pure HClO4 is molecular. In water it is a strong acid. Write an equation for its ionization in water. Use minimal integer numbers to balance the reaction. Include physical states in your answer, e.g., start with HClO4(l).

My answer was incorrect and I'm not sure why. Can anyone show me how to do this?

vincent-lyon.fr · Answer

What was your answer? Please show us.

anonymous · Answer

HClO4 (aq) + H2O (l) ----> H3O^+ (aq) + Cl^- (aq) + O4^-2 (g)

aaronq · Answer

O and Cl won't split apart

abb0t · Answer

I think it's best that you learn your polyatomic ions very well.

vincent-lyon.fr · Answer

You were almost right: you simply made things a bit too complicated. 
The conjugate base of $HClO_4$ is $ClO_4^-$