Question

What is the balanced equation for the production of oxygen gas and potassium chloride from the decomposition of potassium chloride?

Answer 1

You mean from the decomposition of `"potassium chlorate"` or `"potassium perchlorate.."`

Explanation:

From `"potassium chlorate"`, and please note the formula...

`KClO_3(s) stackrel(MnO_2)rarrKCl(s) + 3/2O_2(g)uarr`

A little `Mn(+IV)` salt is added to catalyse the reaction...

From `"potassium perchlorate"`, and again note the formula...

`KClO_4(s) stackrel(Delta)rarrKCl(s) + 2O_2(g)uarr`

...incomplete reduction to `KClO` may also occur...

`KClO_4(s) stackrel(Delta)rarrKClO(s) + 3/2O_2(g)uarr`