A critical component in the heads of safety matches.
Can react violently or cause explosions when mixed with organic materials, sulfur, phosphorus, or concentrated acids.
Pure potassium chlorate is relatively stable, but mixtures with fuel sources can become highly sensitive to friction or impact.
Historically, improper handling has led to significant industrial accidents. Chlorate‐based homemade explosives: A review
), potassium chlorate decomposes into potassium chloride and oxygen gas.
2KClO3(s)→2KCl(s)+3O2(g)2 cap K cap C l cap O sub 3 open paren s close paren right arrow 2 cap K cap C l open paren s close paren plus 3 cap O sub 2 open paren g close paren ⚠️ Safety and Hazards