How do we represent the thermal decomposition of potassium chlorate to give potassium hypochlorite and dioxygen gas?

1 Answer
Jan 31, 2016

KClO_3(s) + Delta rarr KClO(s) + O_2(g)uarr

Explanation:

With suitable catalysis, KClO can be further reduced to KCl, and more oxygen given off. It is thus a convenient source of oxygen gas that you don't have to store in a bottle. Potassium chlorate is present in many fireworks, and some very zippy experiments can be done in the lab.