The ion with the formula ClO4 is called the perchlorate ion. It is a polyatomic ion consisting of one chlorine atom and four oxygen atoms. The perchlorate ion carries a -1 charge, making it an anion.
Perchlorate ions are commonly found in various chemical compounds, including perchloric acid (HClO4) and salts like sodium perchlorate (NaClO4). These compounds are often used in industrial applications, such as in the production of explosives and rocket propellants.
Understanding the structure and properties of the perchlorate ion is important in chemistry, especially in the study of ionic compounds and their reactions.