Reaction of Potassium Chlorate with Magnesium Dioxide Catalyst
When potassium chlorate (KClO3) is heated in the presence of a catalyst like magnesium dioxide (MgO2), it undergoes a decomposition reaction. This reaction is highly exothermic and produces potassium chloride (KCl) and oxygen gas (O2).

Chemical Equation
2KClO3(s) → 2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)

Explanation
- The potassium chlorate decomposes into potassium chloride and oxygen gas when heated. The presence of the magnesium dioxide catalyst lowers the activation energy required for this reaction to occur.
- The magnesium dioxide acts as a catalyst by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy. This allows the decomposition of potassium chlorate to occur more rapidly at lower temperatures.
- As the potassium chlorate decomposes, it releases oxygen gas, which can be observed as bubbles forming in the reaction mixture.
- The resulting products are potassium chloride, which is a white solid, and oxygen gas, which is colorless and odorless.
In conclusion, when potassium chlorate is heated in the presence of a magnesium dioxide catalyst, it undergoes a decomposition reaction to produce potassium chloride and oxygen gas. The catalyst helps facilitate the reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the decomposition to occur.