Potassium Chlorate

Introduction

At the end of the 18th century, Potassium Chlorate was first discovered by one French chemist named, Claude Louis Berthollet. In the industry, Potassium Chlorate is considered the second most used chemical compound, while sodium chlorate is still the first one. It is essential because it can produce oxygen and that is the reason it is used both in the lab and in the chemical oxygen generators.

What is Potassium Chlorate?

Potassium Chlorate is an oxidizing agent that is very strong. It is an inorganic compound, that is represented by the chemical formula- KClO3. This chemical compound is also known as Fekabit or Fegabit or Kaliumchlorat. It looks like a crystalline powder and it is also called a pot crate.

Image: Structure of Potassium chlorate

It can be made easily with some household items such as the bleach and the salt substitute. It is used as chlorate in the industry and can be very toxic when it gets absorbed. It can create much irritation to the human skin and eyes. It was used in making fireworks, but nowadays this use is banned in most countries.

Properties of Potassium Chlorate

The chemical formula of potassium chlorate is $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ and as an inorganic compound it contains one atom of potassium, one atom of chlorine, and three atoms of oxygen.

Physical properties of Potassium Chlorate

It looks like a crystalline solid at room temperature and is also crystalline and it tastes like cooling saline. The molar mass of $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ is 122.55g/ml. The density of potassium chlorate is 2.34 g/cm³. The melting and boiling point of the $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ is 400°C and 356°C, respectively.

Chemical Properties of Potassium Chlorate

A colorless compound is highly soluble in water. It is also soluble in the glycerol but shows an insoluble nature in many organic solvents. It is considered a variety of the polar solvent. In the presence of a manganese dioxide catalyst, potassium chlorate decomposes and from the reaction, it forms potassium chloride and oxygen gas.

In the presence of sulphuric acid. Potassium Chlorate reacts with sugar and this reaction releases a very large amount of energy in the form of heat, in purplish flame and it deals with the smoke.

Preparation of Potassium Chlorate

Potassium chlorate is widely used in the industry and can be made with the help of four methods and they are –

• Liebig Process: When chlorine is passed into the hot calcium hydroxide and then Potassium Chloride is added to the reaction it helps to produce the Potassium chlorate. The equations that can represent the reaction are

$\mathrm{6Ca(OH)_2 + 6Cl_2\:\rightarrow\:Ca(ClO_3)_2 + 5CaCl_2 + 6H_2O}$

$\mathrm{Ca(ClO_3)_2 + 2KCl\:\rightarrow\:2KClO_3 + CaCl_2}$

• Electrolysis Method: In the process of electrolysis of potassium chloride Potassium chlorate can be produced. With the progress of this reaction, $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ came out automatically. At the end of this if the electrodes are removed and the result is $\mathrm{KClO_3}$.

• Disproportionation Method: In a small amount of production of the $\mathrm{KClO_3}$, this method is used.

• Caustic Potash: It can be developed through passing chlorine gas into a hot solution of potassium hydroxide.

Uses

It can be used in many sectors, such as-

• $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ is used as the oxidizing agent

• It is used in the making of matches, explosives, fireworks.

• In textile printing and bleach making, it is used.

• It is used as an oxidizer in pyrotechnics

• $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ is used in the production of oxygen.

• In the making of smoke grenades, it is used

• In laboratories, it is used as one of the most important chemical compounds.

• It is used as a pesticide.

• In the molten, it is used in the dramatic screaming jelly babies, grammy bear, etc.

Difference between Potassium Chlorate and Potassium Perchlorate

The main difference between Potassium Chlorate and Potassium Perchlorate is that the first one is highly reactive if compared with the second one. However, they both are ionic compounds and more specifically inorganic salt compounds. The chemical formula of Potassium Chlorate is $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ and the chemical formula of Potassium Perchlorate is $\mathrm{KClO_4}$. $\mathrm{KClO_3}$ is used in the making of explosives and oxygen and $\mathrm{KClO_4}$ is used in explosive primers, and various propellants, flash compositions.

Conclusion

Potassium Chlorate is a chemical that is made with the combination of potassium, chlorine, and oxygen. Potassium Chlorate is crucial for industry use. Because of the high reactive, it is dangerous and that is the reason it should be used with great care. It is used in the making of explosives and fireworks. For industry use, it is prepared with the help of a salt metathesis reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main use of potassium chlorate?

Ans. The potassium chlorate is used as an oxygen delivery system in the chemical oxygen generator. It is mainly used in airplanes, and in space stations and submarines.

Q2. What is the difference between potassium chloride and potassium chlorate?

Ans. In between potassium chloride and potassium chlorate, when the first chemical compound is used, it moves the ions and the second one is used as the oxidizer. The potassium chloride has a higher melting point if compared with the potassium chlorate.

Q3. What can be used as the replacement for Potassium chlorate?

Ans. Some easily available ingredients can replace Potassium chlorate. Items that can be used in the household, such as bleach and salt substitute can make the Potassium chlorate. The reaction may not be efficient but it is the easiest way to replace the need for the chemical.

Q4. Is a chemical compound like potassium chloride harmful?

Ans. Potassium chloride is very harmful to the human body, if the intake amount is huge. It can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause a serious condition. For example, it can lead to kidney and heart failure.