Heating easily decomposes potassium chlorate, which breaks down into potassium chloride and oxygen. The colorless crystalline substance is a powerful oxidizer and a component of various manufactured items.

View a second image of recrystallized potassium chlorate.

Potassium chlorate is soluble in water and is often used in weed killers, bleach, disinfectants, textile printing and the making of paper. However, since a mixture of potassium chlorate and phosphorus, sulfur, or various organic compounds, including charcoal and sugar, explodes upon friction, the chemical is frequently used for more volatile purposes. Fireworks, matches, and explosives all commonly contain the substance.

The typical industrial method of creating potassium chlorate involves the fractional crystallization of a solution of potassium chloride and sodium chlorate. However, the substance may also be prepared by the electrolysis of concentrated solutions of potassium chloride. Chemistry students are usually familiar with potassium chlorate not from making it, but because it is frequently utilized in the laboratory preparation of oxygen.