A new and more convenient synthesis of perbromates has been developed, consisting of oxidation of bromate with fluorine in alkaline solution. Perbromic acid is a strong monobasic acid; Its aqueous solutions are stable up to about 6 M (55% HBrO4) but decompose at higher concentration. It is a sluggish oxidant, intermediate in apparent oxidizing power between perchlorate and periodate. Potassium perbromate analyzes as KBrO4. It decomposes at 280° to the bromate. Spectral evidence indicates that the tetrahedral BrO4- ion is the principal perbromate species in solid KBrO4 and in neutral and acid perbromate solutions. There is no rapid oxygen exchange between BrO4- and water. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.