Potassium Chlorate

What is Potassium Chlorate?

Potassium Chlorate is an inorganic compound containing potassium, chlorine and oxygen, with the molecular formula KClO3.

It is also known as Fekabit or Fegabit or Kaliumchlorat. It is very flammable when mixed with combustible materials. It is a compound containing potassium, oxygen, and chlorine. It appears as a white crystalline substance in its pure form. It is the most widely used chlorate in industry.

The aqueous solution of potassium chlorate is a colourless liquid that is denser than water. It could be toxic when ingested. When it comes in contact it can irritate your eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. It has a cooling and saline taste.

Potassium Chlorate Structure
Preparation of Potassium Chlorate
Properties of Potassium Chlorate
Uses Of Potassium Chlorate
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Potassium Chlorate Structure - KClO3

Preparation of Potassium Chlorate

Potassium chlorate can be produced in three ways:

1. On the industrial scale, it can be produced via the Liebig process:

Step 1. Take hot calcium hydroxide.

Step 2. Pass chlorine into it.

Step 3. Add potassium chloride.

6 Ca(OH)2 + 6 Cl2 → Ca(ClO3)2 + 5 CaCl2 + 6 H2O

Ca(ClO3)2 + 2 KCl → 2 KClO3 + CaCl2

2. Potassium chlorate produced by disproportionation:

Step 1. In this method, first sodium chloride and sodium chlorate are formed by disproportionation of sodium hypochlorite.

Step 2. Then metathesis reaction takes place between potassium chlorate and potassium chloride.

3 NaOCl(aq) → 2 NaCl(s) + NaClO3(aq)

KCl(aq) + NaClO3(aq) → NaCl(aq) + KClO3(s)

3. Method three:

Step 1. Consider a hot solution of caustic potash.

Step 2. Pass chlorine gas into it.

3 Cl2(g) + 6 KOH(aq) → KClO3(aq) + 5 KCl(aq) + 3 H2O(l)

Properties of Potassium Chlorate - KClO3

KClO3 Potassium Chlorate Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 122.55 g/mol Density 2.34 g/cm³ Boiling Point 400 °C Melting Point 356 °C

Uses Of Potassium Chlorate (KClO3)

Potassium chlorate along with silver fulminate is used in noise-makers such as snappers and crackers.
It is used as an oxidiser in smoke grenades.
It is used to generate oxygen gas in college and school labs.
It is used in oxygen candles or chlorate candles.
It is used in limelight to supply oxygen.
It is used as a pesticide.
It is used in growling gummy bears.
It is used as a fertiliser as an effective alternative for ammonium nitrate.
It is used in the manufacturing of paper.
It is used in the production of matches.
It is used in the making of explosives.

Learn more about the chemical behaviour and importance of potassium chlorate (KClO3) from the expert faculties at BYJU’S - India’s largest education company.