Calcium chlorate
Calcium chlorate is an ionic compound made of calcium and chlorate ions. The chemical formula is Ca(ClO3)2. The molar mass is around 206.98 g/mol (anhydrous). Like other chlorates, it is a strong oxidizer. It used as a non-selective herbicide just like sodium chlorate. It can form the dihydrate salt when exposed to moisture or water. It can be made when calcium (metal or basic compound) reacts with chloric acid.
Formation and decomposition of calcium chlorate
It is usually made when hot suspension of calcium hydroxide in water reacts with excess chlorine gas when heated; making calcium chlorate, calcium chloride, and water.
- The balanced chemical equation is:
- 6Ca(OH)2 + 6Cl2 → Ca(ClO3)2 + 5CaCl2 + 6H2O
It sometimes can be made when calcium hydroxide reacts with chloric acid to make calcium chlorate and water.
- The balanced chemical equation is:
- Ca(OH)2 + 2HClO3 → Ca(ClO3)2 + 2H2O
It decomposes at high temperatures to make calcium chloride and oxygen gas.
- The balanced chemical equation is:
- Ca(ClO3)2 → CaCl2 + 3O2