Dangers of Grinding Aluminium & Potassium Chlorate

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SUMMARY

Grinding a mixture of powdered aluminium with potassium chlorate is highly dangerous due to the reactive properties of both substances. The reaction can produce aluminium oxide and release chlorine gas, which is toxic. The risk stems from aluminium's passivating nature and the instability of potassium chlorate when subjected to friction or impact. Proper safety precautions must be taken to avoid hazardous reactions.

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  • Understanding of chemical reactivity and stability
  • Knowledge of aluminium and its properties
  • Familiarity with potassium chlorate and its uses
  • Basic principles of chemical reactions and byproducts
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  • Research the properties of potassium chlorate and its safe handling procedures
  • Study the chemical reactions involving aluminium and chlorates
  • Learn about the production and dangers of chlorine gas
  • Investigate safety measures for working with reactive metal powders
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dajugganaut
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hi all,

im wondering why it is dangerous to grind a mixture of powdered aluminium with potassium chlorate in a mortar and pestle.

any help would be great.
 
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I'm not sure of the exact answer here but there are a couple of things i can think of. The reactive nature of potassium is dangerous but its more likely somethign to do with the aluminium reacting with the chlorate giving Aluminium oxide because aluminium in passivating and releasing chlorine gas which is highly toxic. I'm not 100% sure if that's the answer your looking for though, that's just off the top of my head.
 

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