KOH {KCl03
{KCN
245. Potassium Chlorate.—KCl03 is made by passing Cl into a hot concentrated solution of KOH.
6 KOH + 6 Cl = KCl03 + 5 KCl + 3 H2O
Its uses are making O, and as an oxidizing agent.
246. Potassium Cyanide, KCN, is a salt from HCN—hydrocyanic or prussic acid. Each is about equally poisonous, and more so than any other known substance. A drop of pure HCN on the tongue will produce death quickly by absorption into the system. In examining these compounds take care not to handle them or to inhale the fumes. KCN is used as a solvent for metals in electro-plating, and is the source of many cyanides, i.e. compounds of CN and a metal. KCN is employed to kill insects for cabinet specimens. In a wide-mouthed bottle is placed a little KCN, which is covered with cotton, and over this a perforated paper. The bottle is inverted over the insect, and the fumes destroy life without injuring the delicate parts. HCN is made from KCN and H2SO4.
247. Gunpowder.—Gunpowder is a mixture of KNO3, C, and S. Heat or concussion causes a chemical change, and transforms the solids into gases. These gases at the moment of explosion occupy 1500 or more times the volume of the solids. Hence the great rending power of powder. If not confined, powder burns quietly but quickly. The appended reaction is a part of what takes place, but it by no means represents all the chemical changes.
2KNO3 + S + 3C =K2S + 2N + 3CO2.
From this equation compute the percentage, by weight, of each substance used to make gunpowder economically.
Thoroughly burned charcoal, distilled sulphur, and the purest nitre are powdered and mixed in a revolving drum,made into a paste with water, put under great pressure between sheets of gun metal, granulated, sifted, to separate the coarse and fine grains, and glazed by revolving in a barrel which sometimes contains a little powdered graphite.
Experiment 119.—Pulverize and mix intimately 4 g. KNO3, l/2 g. S, 1/2 g. charcoal. Pile the mixture on a brick, and apply a lighted match. The adhering product can be removed by soaking in water.