Potassium chlorate

Potassium chlorate is a compound containing potassium, chlorine and oxygen.

Formula: KClO₃
Melting point: 368°C

Used as:

1. An oxidizing agent.
2. A disinfectant / bleach.
3. Explosives / Fireworks.

Potassium chlorate should be handled with care. It reacts vigorously and in some cases spontaneously when mixed with many combustible materials. It is used in some traditional recipes for gunpowder, some of which are unstable. When mixed with some materials it forms a high explosive.