Chlorates

Chlorates Dyspeptic troubles are common are the salts of chloric acid, HC10₃. The acid itself is a colourless liquid which can only be obtained in solution. It is a powerful oxidiser, and organic bodies at once decompose it. The salts are all soluble in water. Potassium chlorate is the most important. This salt crystallises in large monoclinic tablets, which emit light if rubbed. It is prepared by passing chlorine through a warm solution of caustic potash, the reaction being represented by the equation

3Cl₂ + 6KOH = KClO₃ + 5KCl + 30H₂.

The chlorate is separated from the potassium chloride, also formed by crystallising. Other chlorates are prepared in a similar meinner. Potassium chlorate is used for the preparation of oxygen gas, as an oxidiser, and in pyrotechny. It is also employed in calico printing, and in the manufacture of safety matches.