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Potassium Chlorate

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Identification
Molecular formula
KClO3
CAS number
3811-04-9
IUPAC name
potassium;chlorate
State
State

At room temperature, potassium chlorate is typically found in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
356.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
629.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
400.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
673.15
General information
Molecular weight
122.55g/mol
Molar mass
122.5490g/mol
Density
2.5200g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium chlorate is a white crystalline substance that can appear as a powder or in the form of small crystals.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Chlorate

Potassium chlorate (KClO3) is known for its notable solubility in water, making it a widely utilized compound in various chemical applications. Its solubility can be described through the following points:

  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of potassium chlorate in water increases with temperature. At room temperature, approximately 7.1 g can dissolve in 100 mL of water, while this number rises significantly with heating.
  • Polar Nature: As an ionic compound, potassium chlorate dissociates into potassium ions (K+) and chlorate ions (ClO3-) when dissolved, which allows for effective solvation in polar solvents like water.
  • Practical Applications: Its good solubility makes potassium chlorate useful in various industries, such as in agriculture as a herbicide, and in laboratories as an oxidizing agent.

In summary, the solubility of potassium chlorate is influenced by temperature and its ionic nature, rendering it a favorable compound for numerous chemical processes. Remember that while it dissolves readily in water, care should be taken due to its oxidizing properties in concentrated forms.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Chlorate

Potassium chlorate, with the chemical formula KClO3, is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in various applications within chemistry and beyond. Here are some noteworthy points:

  • Oxidizing Agent: Potassium chlorate is known for its strong oxidizing properties. This characteristic makes it useful in pyrotechnics and explosives, providing the necessary oxygen to fuel combustion reactions.
  • Historical Uses: Historically, potassium chlorate has been used in the manufacture of matches. It served as an oxidizer in the match head composition, allowing for easy ignition.
  • Laboratory Applications: In laboratory settings, potassium chlorate is often employed in reactions to produce chlorine dioxide and as a reagent in other chemical syntheses.
  • Biological Interest: Interestingly, potassium chlorate has also spurred research into its effects on biological systems, particularly regarding its potential as a herbicide. However, caution is warranted as it can be toxic in certain concentrations.
  • Safety Considerations: Being an oxidizing agent, potassium chlorate must be handled with care. It can be reactive when exposed to heat, friction, or contamination with organic materials, making proper storage crucial.

Overall, potassium chlorate is a compound that showcases the duality of chemistry—its potential for both beneficial uses and hazards. Its role in scientific exploration and industry highlights the importance of understanding chemical properties in various contexts.