Decomposition of a Chlorate

Decomposition of a Chlorate tutorial

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)