Potassium chlorate KCIO

If potassium chlorate, KCIO is heated gently, the crystals will melt. Further heating will decompose it to give oxygen gas and potassium chloride, KC1. 

The head of a safety match is a mixture of antimony trisulfide (Sb S ) and an oxidizing agent (potassium chlorate (KCIO ). Red phosphorous is placed on the tip so that when it is struck against a rough surface, it ignites with enough flame to ignite the other chemicals in the head and then burn the wood match. 

FIG. 5.5 Thermogram of pure potassium chlorate, KCIO thermal events are observed prior to the melting point (356°Q. Exothermic decomposition occurs above the melting point as oxygen gas is liberated. 

Therefore, the initial choice for an oxidizer is one with an exothermic heat of decomposition such as potassium chlorate (KCIO 3). However, mixtures of both chlorate and perchlorate salts with active metal fuels are too ignition-sensitive for commercial use, and the less-reactive - but safer - nitrate compormds are usually selected. Potassium perchlorate is used with aluminum and magnesium in some "photoflash" mixtures these are extremely reactive compositions, with velocities in the explosive range. 

One of the very best, and certainly the most controversial, of the common oxidizers is potassium chlorate, KCIO 3. It is a white, crystalline material of low hygroscopicity, with 39.2% oxygen by weight. It is prepared by electrolysis from the chloride salt. 

This material has gradually replaced potassium chlorate (KCIO 3) as the principal oxidizer in civilian pyrotechnics. Its safety record is far superior to that of potassium chlorate, although caution - including static protection - must stiU be used. Perchlorate mixtures, especially with a metal fuel such as aluminum, can have explosive properties, especially when present in bulk quantities and when confined. 

Ammonium chlorate decomposes gradually at room temperature. Needless to say compositions which contain ammonium perchlorate and potassium chlorate must be avoided. An experiment for producing ammonium chlorate by above reaction can be carried out as follows Add 35 grams of potassium chlorate, KCIO, to 100 ml. of water and dissolve it with heat. Add 36 grams of ammonium perchlorate, NH fClOi., to the solution and stir it well when a large quantity of white crystals will appear these are almost all potassium perchlorate. Leave it to cool to room temperature. Remove the crystals by filtration. The remaining liquid is mainly ammonium chlorate. Evaporate the mother liquor to about 30 ml. on a water bath. Cool it to room... 

Molybdenum(IV) oxide MoOj +41 Potassium chlorate KCIO, -42.8... 

Ammonium nitrate (NH,NOj) and diesel fuel oil No. 2 Potassium chlorate (KCIO,) and red phosphorus (P,)... 

Mixtures of potassium chlorate (KCIO,) and nitromethane (CHjNOj)... 

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