Potassium chlorate

Potassium chlorate is an inorganic ionic compound, KClO₃, composed of potassium and chlorate ions. It is a strong oxidizing agent that releases oxygen when heated or decomposed.

Thermal decomposition: The chemical breakdown of a substance caused by heating. Heating potassium chlorate can break it down into potassium chloride and oxygen.
Safety match: A match that ignites through friction with a specially prepared striking surface. Potassium chlorate was historically used in match heads as an oxidizer.
Potassium perchlorate: An ionic compound, KClO₄, containing potassium and perchlorate ions. Its perchlorate ion has one more oxygen than chlorate and different thermal behavior.
Potassium: A reactive alkali metal with atomic number 19 and symbol K. Potassium forms the K⁺ cation in potassium chlorate.
Oxidizing agent: A substance that accepts electrons from another substance in a redox reaction. Potassium chlorate oxidizes other substances while chlorate is reduced.
Oxygen candle: A chemical oxygen generator that releases oxygen through controlled decomposition of a solid oxidizer. Some oxygen candles use chlorate chemistry to supply oxygen in confined settings.
Sodium chlorate: An inorganic ionic compound, NaClO₃, composed of sodium and chlorate ions. It shares the chlorate oxidizer but replaces potassium with sodium.
Chlorine: A halogen element with atomic number 17 and symbol Cl. Chlorine is the central atom in the chlorate ion.
Catalyst: A substance that changes a reaction rate without being consumed overall. Manganese dioxide speeds potassium chlorate decomposition without serving as a reactant.
Pyrotechnics: The use of chemical reactions to produce heat, light, sound, or smoke. Potassium chlorate can supply oxygen in pyrotechnic compositions, but its sensitivity makes it hazardous.

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