General Description
A colorless liquid. Denser than water. Contact may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals. Ignites organic materials upon contact .
Reactivity Profile
Metal chlorates are oxidants in the presence of strong acid; liberates explosive chlorine dioxide gas; liberates chlorine dioxide and carbon dioxide by heating a moist metal chlorate and a dibasic organic acid ; mixtures of perchlorates with sulfur or phosphorus are explosives [Bretherick 1979. p. 100]; mixtures of the chlorate with ammonium salts, powdered metals, silicon, sulfur, or sulfides are readily ignited and potentially explosive [Bretherick 1979. p. 806]. A combination of finely divided aluminum with finely divided bromates (also chlorates and iodates) of barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, or zinc can explode by heat, percussion, and friction [Mellor 2:310 1946-47]. An explosion occurred during heating of a mixture of potassium chlorate and magnesium [Chem. Eng. News 14:451. 1936]. Gaseous ammonia, mixed with air reacts so vigorously with potassium chlorate that the reaction could become dangerous [Mellor 8:217. 1946-47]. A mixture of potassium chlorate and sodium amide explodes [Mellor 8:258. 1946-47]. If a drop of a solution of sulfur dioxide in ether or alcohol is added to powdered potassium chlorate, the mass explodes [Mellor 2:311. 1946-47]. Potassium chlorate and sulfuric acid react to cause fire and possible explosions [Mellor 2:315. 1946-47].
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Hazard
Forms explosive mixture with combustible
materials (sulfur, sugar, etc.); strong oxidizing
agent.
Health Hazard
Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Potassium chlorate is used in the manufacture of soap, glass, pottery, and many potassium salts; as an oxidizing agent; in explosives; matches, textile printing; disinfectants, and bleaching.
Fire Hazard
These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance. Shampoo hair promptly if contaminated. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN1479 Potassium chlorate, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer. UN2427 Potassium chlorate, aqueous solution, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer. Potentially explosive. Decomposes on heating above 400C, on contact with strong acids producing toxic fumes including chlorine dioxide, chlorine fume, s and oxygen. Violent reaction with combustibles, oxidizers, strong acids; and reducing materials. Attacks many metals in presence of water.
Chemical Properties
Potassium chlorate is a white crystalline solid
Chemical Properties
Potassium chlorate, KCI03, is transparent, colorless crystals or a white powder that is soluble in water,alcohol, and alkalies,and has a melting point of 356 °C.Used as an oxidizing agent,for explosives and matches, and in textile printing and paper manufacture.
Uses
Explosives; fireworks; matches; printing and dyeing cotton and wool black; manufacture of aniline black and other dyes; source of oxygen; in chemical analyses.
Uses
It is used for source of oxygen.
Uses
Potassium Chlorate is used in micro-smoke cold fireworks containing bright bead.
Uses
Used (1) in matches, (2) in pyrotechnics, (3) as disinfectant, (4) as a source of oxygen upon heating. (Hazardous! Use of potassium perchlorate is recommended instead.)
Definition
potassium chlorate: A colourlesscrystalline compound, KClO3, whichis soluble in water and moderatelysoluble in ethanol; monoclinic; r.d.2.32; m.p. 356°C; decomposes above400°C giving off oxygen. The industrialroute to potassium chlorate involvesthe fractional crystallization ofa solution of potassium chloride andsodium chlorate but it may also beprepared by electrolysis of hot concentratedsolutions of potassiumchloride. It is a powerful oxidizingagent finding applications in weedkillersand disinfectants and, becauseof its ability to produce oxygen, it isused in explosives, pyrotechnics, andmatches.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Industrial uses
Also known as chlorate of potash and potassiumoxymuriate, this is a white crystalline powder,or lustrous crystalline substance, of the compositionKClO3, employed in explosives, chieflyas a source of oxygen. It is also used as anoxidizing agent in the chemical industry, as acardiac stimulant in medicine, and in toothpaste.It melts at 357°C and decomposes at400°C with the rapid evolution of oxygen. It isodorless but has a slightly bitter saline taste.The specific gravity is 2.337. It is not hygroscopic,but is soluble in water. It imparts a violetcolor to the flame in pyrotechnic compositions.
Purification Methods
It has been recrystallised from water (1.8mL/g) between 100o and 0o, and the crystals were filtered onto sintered glass. Keep away from organic material as it oxidises them readily.
