Potassium chlorate (KClO₃) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KClO₃. It is a colorless or white crystalline powder with a salty, cool taste and is a strong oxidizer. It is stable at room temperature but decomposes above 400°C, releasing oxygen. Mixed with reducing agents, organic matter, or flammable materials such as sulfur, phosphorus, or metal powders, it can form explosive mixtures and explode when heated rapidly. Therefore, potassium chlorate is a highly sensitive explosive. If mixed with impurities, it can even spontaneously explode under sunlight. It explodes when exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid. It can react with manganese dioxide as a catalyst to produce oxygen under heating. It is composed of ions. Potassium chlorate should never be used to produce chlorine gas by reacting with hydrochloric acid, as this will form explosive chlorine dioxide, making pure chlorine impossible to obtain.

Potassium chlorate has a wide range of uses, including explosives, fireworks, firecrackers, high-grade safety matches, pharmaceuticals, photographic reagents, analytical reagents, oxidizers, and rocket and missile propellants. Among propellants in the same family, potassium chlorate-containing propellants burn faster than ammonium chlorate-containing propellants, achieving a higher minimum pressure and a high burn rate index. They are also used as antipyretic and diuretic agents, analytical reagents, and oxidizers. Potassium chlorate, when heated, reacts with manganese dioxide as a catalyst to produce potassium chloride and oxygen. Heating potassium chlorate to produce oxygen is not commonly used in chemical laboratories because the oxygen is impure and dangerous.