Kloraattiioni

Kloraattiioni is a term used in chemistry that most commonly refers to the chlorate ion in Finnish-language scientific nomenclature. The chlorate ion, ClO3−, is the conjugate base of chloric acid (HClO3). In other uses, the term may appear as a transliteration or misspelling in non-Finnish texts and should be interpreted in context.

The chlorate ion features a chlorine center bonded to three oxygens with a -1 overall charge. In resonance structures, chlorine bears a positive formal charge in some representations while the oxygens carry partial negative charges; the ion is a strong oxidizer and participates in redox reactions. Salts like potassium chlorate (KClO3) and sodium chlorate (NaClO3) are common.

Historically, chlorate compounds have been used in bleaching, disinfection, and chemical synthesis. They also appear in pyrotechnics and other specialty applications due to their oxidizing properties. Because they are powerful oxidizers, chlorates can react violently with organic materials or reducing agents under certain conditions.

Safety and regulation are important for handling chlorate compounds. Exposure may irritate skin or lungs, and chlorates can pose environmental risks if released in large amounts. They are typically stored and transported under controlled conditions, with incompatibilities with strong reducing agents and acids carefully managed.

See also: chlorite (ClO2−), perchlorate (ClO4−), hypochlorite (ClO−).