Potassium Chlorate: Structure, Properties and Uses

Potassium chlorate (KClO₃) is a powerful oxidizing agent which is used in explosives, fireworks, safety matches, and disinfectants. It is an inorganic compound which is also known as Fekabit or Kaliumchlorat. Potassium chlorate, a salt of potassium particularly useful in the making of safety matches. It can also be used in pyrotechnics and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as for other uses. It is predominantly used to produce safety matches. In 1826, English chemist John Walker came up with the first Matchstick. In his matches, he used potassium chlorate, antimony (III) sulfide, gum, and starch that ignited when struck by sandpaper. Let’s discuss its properties, structure, and molecular mass. 

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What is Potassium Chlorate? 

One atom of potassium, three atoms of oxygen, and one atom of chlorine make up an inorganic compound called potassium chlorate. Pure potassium chlorate appears in pure form as a white crystalline powder at room temperature. Alternatively, it is called potcrate, as well as Fegabit or Fekabit, or both. Claude Louis Berthollet, a chemist from France, discovered it at the end of the 18th century. Originally, potassium chlorate was used in fireworks, however safety concerns have almost ended the use of potassium chlorate in fireworks. The use of potassium chlorate in fireworks is banned in most countries at the moment.

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Structure of Potassium Chlorate 

The molecule formula for potassium chlorate is KClO₃. As can be seen in the structural formula below, it has a potassium cation and a chlorate anion. 

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Properties of Potassium Chlorate

The physical properties and chemical properties of potassium chlorate are as follows:

• This solid is white and crystalline in its purest form. 
• Molar mass - 122.55 g/mol.
• Density - 2.32 g/cm³.
• Melting point - 356°C.
• Boiling point - 400°C.
• It dissolves in water. Potassium chlorate becomes more soluble in water as the temperature increases. 
• The compound is also soluble in glycerol. 
• In addition, it is slightly soluble in acetone and liquid ammonia. 
• It can be ignited due to its oxidizing properties. 
• It is hygroscopic. 
• Monoclinic crystal structure. 
• When heated in the presence of a catalyst such as MnO₂, potassium chlorate decomposes immediately. This reaction is depicted here -

2KClO_3(s) ∏ 3O_2(g) + 2KCl_(s)

• Without a catalyst, it decomposes into potassium perchlorate and potassium chloride when heated. Here is the reaction –

4KClO₃ ∏ 3KClO₄ + KCl

When heated further, potassium perchlorate breaks down into oxygen and potassium chloride. This reaction can be described as follows:

KClO₄ ∏ KCl + 2O₃

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Preparation of Potassium Chlorate 

It is the most commonly used chlorate in industries. As a result of its wide range of uses, it is widely produced in the industry. In industries, the Liebig process is used for its large-scale production. 

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Liebig Process 

During the Liebig Process, potassium chlorate is prepared by adding chlorine to heated calcium hydroxide and then adding potassium chloride. 

Below is a list of the reactions that occur.

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

Ca(ClO₃)₂ + 2KCl ∏ 2KClO₃ + CaCl₂

Electrolysis Method

Electrolysis of potassium chloride can also produce potassium chlorate. Anodes made from carbon, platinum, or mixed metal oxides are used together with titanium cathodes in this method. The electrodes are inserted into an aqueous solution of potassium chloride and an electric current is passed through them. As the reaction takes place, potassium chlorate precipitates. In order to obtain crystals or precipitate of potassium chlorate, you simply remove the electrodes from a cell and filter the cell contents after electrolysis. 

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Disproportionate Method 

A disproportionation process is used to manufacture small amounts of potassium chlorate. In this method, sodium hypochlorite is disproportionally converted into sodium chloride and sodium chlorate. The next step involves a metathesis reaction between sodium chlorate and potassium chloride. It is explained as follows:

3NaOCl_(aq) ∏ 2NaCl_(s) + NaClO_3(aq)

KCl_(aq) + NaClO_3(aq) ∏ NaCl_(aq) + KClO_3(s)

By Caustic Potash 

Alternatively, potassium chlorate can be produced by adding chlorine gas to a solution of potassium hydroxide. See the reaction below:

3Cl_2(g) + 6KOH_(aq) ∏ KClO_3(aq) + 5KCl_(aq) + 3H₂O_(l)

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Uses of Potassium Chlorate 

For years, potassium chlorate has been used in the fireworks industry to create beautiful colors for fireworks. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, it creates oxygen upon decomposition. That is what makes fireworks burn. In the firework mixture, the high amount of heat excites electrons, and they produce beautiful colors. The explosive properties of potassium chlorate led to its use in a variety of illegal activities soon afterward. Many countries have banned the use of potassium chlorate in fireworks. Despite this, the chemical has several other applications. The following list highlights a few examples.

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• The compound is used as an oxidizing agent. 
• It is used to prepare oxygen. 
• Additionally, it is a disinfectant. 
• Safety matches contain very small amounts of this material. 
• The material is used in explosives. 
• It assists in the early arrival of the blossoming stage in longan trees. Consequently, it produces fruit during the warmer months. 
• Firearms and percussion caps contain it.
• Also used in propellants.
• In combination with silver fulminate, it makes trick noisemakers such as snappers, pop-its, and bang-snaps. 
• In pyrotechnics, it is commonly used. 
• The material is used in smoke grenades. 
• Used in laboratories as well. 
• It is used to make chlorate candles or oxygen candles. 
• Airplanes, space stations, submarines, etc. use it for oxygen supply.
• In old times, it was used in limelight (a type of stage lighting) in theatres and music halls. 
• Furthermore, it can be used in pesticides. 

The explosive and oxidizing properties of potassium chlorate make it a very useful chemical for many industries, but this is also being exploited for illegal and inhuman purposes. In Afghanistan, it is used to produce improvised explosive devices, which are used for many inhumane activities. In addition to this, 202 people were killed in the 2002 Bali (Thailand) bombings using a car bomb made from this substance.

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Things to Remember

• Potassium chlorate, an inorganic compound, is very flammable when mixed with combustible materials. It is a compound comprised of potassium, oxygen, and chlorine. It appears as a white crystalline substance in its pure form and is the most widely used chlorate industry.
• Alternatively, it is called potcrate, as well as Fegabit or Fekabit, or both. Claude Louis Berthollet, a chemist from France, discovered it at the end of the 18th century. Originally, potassium chlorate was used in fireworks, however safety concerns have almost ended the use of potassium chlorate in fireworks. 
• During the Liebig Process, potassium chlorate is prepared by adding chlorine to heated calcium hydroxide and then adding potassium chloride.
• Electrolysis of potassium chloride can also produce potassium chlorate. Anodes made from carbon, platinum, or mixed metal oxides are used together with titanium cathodes in this method.
• A disproportionation process is used to manufacture small amounts of potassium chlorate. In this method, sodium hypochlorite is disproportionally converted into sodium chloride and sodium chlorate. 

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