Potassium Chlorate, Berthollet Salt, 3811-04-9

Potassium Chlorate, Berthollet Salt, 3811-04-9

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

PRODUCT IDENTIFIER INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O
        ||
    K⁺  Cl - O⁻
        |
        O⁻
    
    Potassium Chlorate (KClO₃)
    Ionic Structure

Potassium Chlorate Molecular Structure

Molecular Formula: KClO₃
SMILES: [O-]Cl(=O)=O.[K+]
InChI: 1S/ClHO3.K/c2-1(3)4;/h(H,2,3,4);/q;+1/p-1
Crystal System: Monoclinic

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Electrolysis Method (Most Common)

Process:

1. Brine Refining: Salt is dissolved in saturated brine; NaOH, Na₂CO₃ and BaCl₂ are added to remove impurities such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺; refined brine is neutralized with HCl (pH 6-7); Na₂Cr₂O₇ is added (1.5-2.0 g/L) to prevent ClO⁻ reduction

2. Electrolysis: Refined brine is subjected to direct current in an electrolytic cell; graphite (ceramic-based lead dioxide, TiRu metal) is used as anode; mild steel is used as cathode; electrode distance 2-4 mm; temperature 40-90°C; pH 6.7; electrolysis stopped when NaClO₃ content reaches 400 g/L

   • Reaction: NaCl + 3H₂O → NaClO₃ + 3H₂↑

3. Removal of Bromine and Hypochlorite: Electrolysis finish solution is acidified with HCl and heated to 110°C; bromine and hypochlorite are blown off with air

4. Metathesis Reaction: KCl slightly below theoretical amount is added to sodium chlorate solution; stirred at 60°C to generate KClO₃

   • Reaction: NaClO₃ + KCl → KClO₃ + NaCl

5. Crystallization: Solution is cooled (~45°C) to obtain crude KClO₃ crystals; mother liquor is evaporated and concentrated to precipitate NaCl, which is recycled

6. Refining: Crude KClO₃ is centrifuged; water is added in refining tank and steam dissolves crystals; cooling crystallization yields refined KClO₃; mother liquor returns to metathesis tank

7. Drying and Crushing: Refined KClO₃ is dried and crushed to below 120 mesh to obtain finished product

Method 2: Chemical Method

Reactions:

6Ca(OH)₂ + 6Cl₂ → Ca(ClO₃)₂ + 5CaCl₂ + 6H₂O
Ca(ClO₃)₂ + 2KCl → 2KClO₃ + CaCl₂

Process:

• Lime is dissolved in water to make lime milk; sent to chlorination tower

• Chlorine gas is introduced to form calcium chlorate (calcium hypochlorite <25 g/L, calcium chlorate >50 g/L)

• Alkali sulfide is added to remove free chlorine

• Pressure filtration is performed

• Potassium chloride is added to filtrate for redecomposition

• Solution is evaporated, concentrated, cooled and crystallized

• Centrifugal separation is performed

• Crude potassium chlorate crystals are refined

• Recrystallization, centrifugation, drying and crushing at 65°C yield finished product

SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 6: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 7: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

SECTION 8: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 9: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (according to 1272/2008/EC and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS03 (Flame Over Circle), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Risk Codes:

Safety Descriptions:

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 10: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 11: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 12: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 13: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 14: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 15: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 16: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 17: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 18: RELATED CHEMICAL REACTIONS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer (H271). Forms explosive mixtures when mixed with organic matter, reducing agents, sulfur, phosphorus and metal powders.

• Harmful if swallowed or inhaled (H302/H332). Blood poison; causes methemoglobinemia.

• Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411). Avoid release to the environment.

• Strong oxidizer: Avoid contact with combustible materials, reducing agents, organic matter, metal powders, sulfur, phosphorus and ammonium salts.

• May explode upon contact with concentrated sulfuric acid or nitric acid.

• May explode under sunlight. Protect from light.

• Decomposes upon heating releasing oxygen; decomposes at lower temperature in presence of catalysts (MnO₂).

• Corrosive: Corrodes various common metals; corrosiveness increases in presence of water.

• Human lethal dose is ~10 g. 5-10 g entering digestive organs is fatal.

• Storage: Store separately from combustible materials, reducing agents, organic matter, metal powders, sulfuric acid and ammonium salts; do not mix, store or transport together.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Match and Fireworks Industry: Use as oxidizer and igniter; take precautions against static electricity and friction during mixing and processing; ensure adequate ventilation.

• Laboratory: Use with MnO₂ catalyst for oxygen production; do not grind KClO₃ and MnO₂ mixture in mortar with pestle (explosion risk); perform mixing in evaporating dish with glass rod or spoon; when mixing on paper, avoid mixing paper scraps or fibers into the mixture.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hood; wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection; avoid creating dust; protect from friction and impact.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical safety glasses, suitable protective clothing, chemical protective gloves; use respirator in dusty environments.

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling; wash hands thoroughly after handling; do not take work clothes to non-work sites.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions; keep away from ignition sources, combustible materials, reducing agents, organic matter, metal powders, sulfuric acid and ammonium salts; protect from light.

• Spill Response: Avoid creating dust; wear full PPE; vacuum or wet sweep; place in sealed containers for disposal; avoid contact with organic matter, reducing agents and combustible materials.

• Loading and Unloading: Load and unload gently; protect from friction and impact.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional and national regulations; do not discharge into drains or water bodies; chlorates are regulated as hazardous waste.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability of the product for their specific applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.