Halogens in Matches

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An every day item which depends on halogen chemistry is the match. When a match is struck, the chemical on the matchhead, potassium chlorate or KClO₃, decomposes, giving O₂ when heated in the presence of a catalyst:

\(\ce{2KClO3 -> 2KCl +3O2}\)

This reaction occurs whenever a match is struck. The O₂ produced helps ignite other components of the match head as well as the match itself. This reaction is shown in the video below:

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In the video, KClO₃ is mixed with red phosphorus. It is then tapped with a hammer, resulting in an explosion. We already mentioned that the match head contains KCLO₃. In this instance, red phosphorus coats the striking surface of the box. The friction of striking the match causes the reaction to occur in this case. The striking of a match is shown below. Though in a different context, it is clear both reaction are the same.

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From ChemPRIME:12.7: Group VIIA: Halogens

Contributors and Attributions

Ed Vitz (Kutztown University), John W. Moore (UW-Madison), Justin Shorb (Hope College), Xavier Prat-Resina (University of Minnesota Rochester), Tim Wendorff, and Adam Hahn.