What is Potassium chlorate?
[[File:Potassium chlorate-substance.jpg|thumb|Potassium chlorate]] '''Potassium chlorate''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is KClO<sub>3</sub>. It has [[potassium]] and [[chlorate]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== It is a colorless [[crystalline]] solid. It dissolves in water. It is a strong [[oxidizing agent]]. It gives off [[oxygen]] when heated. Sometimes [[manganese(IV) oxide]] is used to make the oxygen come faster. It can explode when mixed with a strong [[reducing agent]]. It can make many things burn that don't normally burn. ==Preparation== It is made by [[electrolysis]] of a hot solution of [[potassium chloride]]. This is similar to the [[chloralkali process]]. It can also be made by reacting concentrated [[sodium chlorate]] with potassium chloride. ==Uses== It is used in [[firework]]s. It is a part of [[Armstrong's mixture]], a [[wikt:sensitive|sensitive]] [[explosive]]. It is also used to make oxygen gas in [[high school]] and [[college]] [[lab]]s. It can burn sugar when mixed with sugar and concentrated [[sulfuric acid]]. It can also replace [[potassium nitrate]] in [[gunpowder]]. It is used in oxygen candles. Oxygen candles made oxygen when burned. They are used in [[spaceship]]s. ==Safety== Potassium chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent and can catch many things on fire. When it is mixed with [[sulfur]] or [[phosphorus]], it burns very easily. Many other chemicals can make dangerous mixtures with potassium chlorate. ==Related pages== *[[Oxidizing agent]] *[[Potassium chloride]] *[[Perchlorate]] [[Category:Potassium compounds]] [[Category:Chlorine compounds]]