Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Production of Potassium Chlorate

Matthew - 2-11-2016 at 11:55

I have been reading online that KClO3 can be made by performing electrolysis in a solution of KCl (KCl+3H2O -> KClO3 + 3H2). I also read that KOH is produced in the same way but with 2KCl + 2H2O = 2KOH+H2. What is the difference? Do I need to heat the solution in order for it to work?

Neme - 2-11-2016 at 12:03

These equations are wrong.
Electrolysis of KCl gives you Cl2 and KOH (+unimportant H2). These two react with each other to form HCl and KClO. At elevated temperatures, I guess around 70-80°C, KClO disproportionate back to the default KCl and your wanted KClO3.

If you want KOH just do electrolysis with two separate cells to prevent reacting KOH and chlorine gas.

To be honest I have no experiences in this field, correct me if I'm wrong.

Matthew - 2-11-2016 at 12:24

Thank you. I made some lye recently with the two-chambered electrolysis. The do you know if there is any use for the Cl solution?

hyfalcon - 3-11-2016 at 01:59

bleach

Meltonium - 3-11-2016 at 05:54

Alternatively, you can make KClO3 by boiling bleach down until the NaCl starts to crash out, isolate the liquid layer, and add a saturated solution of KCl. The KClO3 will precipitate out.

3NaClO -> 2NaCl + NaClO3

NaClO3 + KCl -> KClO3 + NaCl

Matthew - 3-11-2016 at 06:44

I also found this thing about preparing them this way:
here

woelen - 3-11-2016 at 11:59

This may help you: http://woelen.homescience.net/science/chem/exps/miniature_ch...

MrHomeScientist - 3-11-2016 at 12:59

I can vouch for woelen's procedure - I used it to make some when I realized I had no bleach and needed it the next day!

Matthew - 3-11-2016 at 14:53

Does the material that the cathode and anode is made from need to be specific? Won't carbon rods work?

phlogiston - 3-11-2016 at 15:30

Carbon rods will work, but the anode rod will erode and you will get a very suspension of very fine carbon particles in your electrolyte. These are so small that they are difficult to filter out, yielding a slightly contaminated product. Depending on your application, that may or may not matter.

If you require only a very small amount (a few grams) of chlorate, boiling down bleach is an option. Otherwise, go for electrolysis.

yobbo II - 3-11-2016 at 18:06

Read this and yill be grand

http://oxidizing.typhoonguitars.com/

Matthew - 3-11-2016 at 20:00

Strange url but good info. :)