Perchlorylbenzene

Perchlorylbenzene (C6H5ClO3, PhClO3, is an aromatic compound prepared by direct electrophilic perchlorylation of benzene using perchloryl fluoride and aluminum trichloride: The compound is described as a somewhat shock-sensitive oily liquid. It exhibits low chemical reactivity and is inert towards acidic (HCl (aq.)) or reducing (LiAlH4, H2/Pd) conditions.  However, it undergoes hydrolysis upon reflux in aqueous KOH to afford phenol, and undergoes aromatic nitration to afford the meta-nitration product, as expected for a strongly –I, –M substituent.

It and its derivatives have been investigated as novel energetic materials analogous to nitro compounds.