Do chlorates decompose when heated?
1 Answer
Sep 17, 2015
Yes.
Explanation:
Chlorates are ionic compounds that contain the chlorate anion,
When heated, these compounds undergo decomposition to form oxygen gas,
The classic example is the decomposition of potassium chlorate,
KClO3(s]→KCl(s]+O2(g]↑⏐
If you want a general form balanced equation for the decomposition of a metal chlorate, you can use
MClO3(s]→MCl(s]+O2(g]↑⏐
Remember to balance this general equation according to the charge of the metal cation. For example, calcium chlorate,
Ca(ClO3)2(s]→CaCl2(s]+3O2(g]↑⏐⏐
Here's a video showing the decomposition of potassium chlorate