Preparation of oxygen using potassium chlorate

Preparation of oxygen Using potassium chlorate Required chemicals: potassium chlorate, manganese dioxide, water Required equipment: Test tubes, watch glass, candle, ring stand, utility clamp, glass bowl, burner. Procedure: Because oxygen is a component of air, it has been studied extensively over the centuries and there is a large number of different methods for its preparation. The most convenient method for preparing oxygen in the laboratory involves either the catalytic decomposition of solid potassium chlorate or the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Potassium chlorate decomposes at a low temperature if previously mixed with manganese dioxide which is a catalyst for the decomposition. Only the potassium chlorate is decomposed, and no perchlorate is formed : 2 KClO3 --- 2 KCl + 3 O2 Results: raise of temperature by heating the tube with potassium chlorate results in releasing oxygen which we can see in the second tube filled with water. Released oxygen pushes the water out of the tube. Candle burns brighter with the presence of oxygen in the tube. Conclusion: The proof of the presence of oxygen is the brighter flame of the candle. Experiment was made by students attending Beginner English at Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb. Lecturer is Nadja Dešpalj. STUDENTS WHO MADE THE VIDEO: Tatjana Baković, Gabriela Brnadić, Igor Kultan, Ivan Hrvat.