Chemical Knowledge Share – Potassium chlorate

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Chemical formula KClO3. Colorless crystals, non-hygroscopic, with a melting point of 356°C. It has strong oxidizing properties in acidic solutions; for example, ClO3- + 5Cl- + 6H+ → 3Cl2↑ + 3H2O. When manganese dioxide is used as a catalyst and heat is applied to melt solid potassium chlorate, it decomposes into potassium chloride and oxygen. This method is commonly used in laboratories to produce oxygen. In the absence of a catalyst, heating potassium chlorate to 395°C causes it to decompose into potassium chloride and potassium perchlorate. Solid potassium perchlorate is also a strong oxidizing agent. When potassium chlorate is mixed with flammable substances such as carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and organic materials, it explodes violently upon impact. Potassium chlorate is widely used in the manufacture of matches, *tubes, **, fireworks, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and more. When potassium chlorate is mixed with sucrose and a drop of concentrated sulfuric acid is added, it catches fire immediately. It can be used as an igniter for the thermite reaction. Potassium chlorate can be prepared by passing chlorine gas into a hot solution of concentrated potassium hydroxide: