Chlorate are compounds formed between
a metal and the chlorate ion, (ClO3)1-.
When a chlorate decomposes, a metal chloride and oxygen gas are produced.
Chlorates are often referred to as oxidizers because they produce their
own oxygen when they react. The general pattern of a decomposition of a
chlorate reaction is:
MClO3
--> MCl + O2
(M is used to represent the metal. ClO3
is chlorate.)
Look at the example below.
Example #1:
2KClO3(s) -->
2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)
Potassium chlorate decomposes to form potassium chloride and oxygen gas.
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule and must be written with a subscript of 2.
|
Now
let’s go step by step.
Predict the products when solid magnesium chlorate decomposes.
Description
of Action |
Action |
| 1. Write the formula for the given reactant. |
Mg(ClO3)2(s)
--> |
| 2. On the products side of the equation, write
the formulas for the metal chloride and oxygen gas separated by a
+ sign. Be sure to remember to cross charges between the metal and
chlorine when writing the formula for the metal chloride. |
Mg(ClO3)2(s)
--> MgCl2(s) + O2(g)
|
| 3. Balance the equation |
Mg(ClO3)2(s)
--> MgCl2(s) + 3O2(g)
|
|
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