Chlorate facts for kids
Chlorate is a special kind of ion. Think of an ion as a tiny particle that has an electric charge, either positive or negative. The chemical formula for chlorate is ClO3-. This formula tells us it's made of one chlorine atom and three oxygen atoms, and it has a negative charge.
Chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent. This means it can easily take electrons from other substances, causing a chemical reaction. You can find chlorate in different chemical compounds, like potassium chlorate.
A cool thing about many chlorates is that when you heat them up, they release oxygen gas! Chlorates are also known as salts of chloric acid.
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What are Chlorates?
Chlorates are chemical compounds that contain the chlorate ion. This ion is made up of one chlorine atom and three oxygen atoms. The chlorine atom in chlorate has a special "oxidation state" of +5. This number helps chemists understand how the chlorine atom behaves in chemical reactions.
How Chlorates are Formed
Chlorates are often made from chloric acid. When chloric acid reacts with a base (the opposite of an acid), it forms a salt, and chlorate is one type of these salts. For example, when chloric acid reacts with potassium hydroxide, it forms potassium chlorate.
Common Uses of Chlorates
Chlorates have several uses, especially because they can release oxygen when heated.
- Oxygen Production: One of the most important uses of chlorates, like potassium chlorate, is to produce oxygen in laboratories or in emergency oxygen generators.
- Fireworks and Pyrotechnics: Because they are strong oxidizing agents and can release oxygen, chlorates are sometimes used in fireworks and matches to help them burn brightly and quickly.
- Herbicides: In the past, some chlorates were used as weed killers (herbicides). However, their use has become less common due to environmental concerns.
Safety with Chlorates
Chlorates are powerful chemicals and must be handled with care.
- Strong Oxidizers: Because they are strong oxidizing agents, chlorates can react dangerously with flammable materials, causing fires or explosions.
- Heat Sensitivity: As mentioned, heating chlorates can release oxygen, which can make fires burn much more intensely.
- Storage: They should always be stored away from anything that can burn easily and kept in cool, dry places.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Clorato para niños
