Potassium Chlorate used in fireworks for colors
Q. Which chemical is used in pyro techniques for producing various beautiful colors?- Published on 15 Apr 16a. Potassium Nitrate
b. Sodium Nitrate
c. Potassium Chlorate
d. Nitrous Oxide
ANSWER: Potassium Chlorate
- Potassium chlorate was discovered by French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet during the end of the 18th Century.
- The principal reason for using it in pyrotechnics is for the production of beautiful colours.
- Despite its inherent risk, the reason it is sometimes used in pyrotechnics is because it is cheap and easily available.
- According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, potassium chlorate has very powerful oxidising ability. When heated, it decomposes to produce oxygen.
- The extra heat generated excites the electrons in the colour-producing chemicals added in the firework mixture and thus produces beautiful colours.
- The oxidising property of potassium chlorate is also its biggest disadvantage when used in fireworks. It has an inherent property to become very reactive, especially when mixed with sulphur.
- The potassium chlorate-sulphur mixture becomes dangerously sensitive to friction and may spontaneously ignite.
- Hence, potassium chlorate is banned for use in fireworks.
