What is the chemical name for BrO₄⁻?

The correct name for BrO₄⁻ is perbromate. This designation is derived from the systematic nomenclature of oxyanions in which the prefix "per-" indicates that the ion contains a higher number of oxygen atoms than the standard oxyanion, which in this case is bromate (BrO₃⁻).

In the context of bromine-containing oxyanions, the traditional hierarchy includes:

• Hypobromate (BrO⁻), which has the fewest oxygen atoms.
• Bromate (BrO₃⁻), the standard form.
• Perbromate (BrO₄⁻), which has one more oxygen than bromate and is therefore named "perbromate."

Understanding this naming system helps in recognizing that perbromate indeed has four oxygen atoms bonded to the bromine atom, which is consistent with its chemical formula. Therefore, identifying BrO₄⁻ as perbromate is essential for accurately conveying its composition in discussions about chemical reactions and compounds.