Gizmogadget Posted September 14, 2024 Posted September 14, 2024 It looks like I'm dealing with a dumb decision I made back in grade 10 (1988). I stole from the chemistry lab a jar half full of potassium chlorate. Half pound maybe. The jar is plastic. I just found it in an old desk and I'm afraid to touch the jar. The lid looks like it's on tight. Is this stuff stable as is? Can I move the jar without setting it off? I can see if I can get a picture of the label and post it. I have no idea how old this stuff was when I took it. Could have been from the 70's for all I know. I just want to get it out of the house. If this stuff is stable as is, I might not worry about it. Everything I've read online says that it can be explosive if mixed with other materials. What about if it's just by itself? I also have a jar of aluminum powder and calcium metal. I've attached photos of those. The aluminum powder had black electrical tape around the lid which fell off when lift the jar up. These seemed less threatening. Should I be concerned with these as well? Thank you for the help. Craig
SharkWhisperer Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Nobody responded in several months??? What's up APC folks??? All of these chems are reasonably stable and safe, evidenced by the decades you've had them stored away without incident. Characteristics of all chems are easily located online. KCLO3 is stable forever and is not an explosive. It is a strong oxidizer and will help other chems/items burn. Vigorously. Fun stuff for fireworkers and a key component of everyday kitchen matches. Al powder is mostly inert but can be flammable--how flammable depends on its size/structure and association with oxidizing agents (like your KCLO3--keep them apart). As-is, there is no inordinate fire risk. Al powder is also potentially toxic and not good for the environment. Don't just dump it. I cannot ID your Al characteristics by a search of the MCB website, but I only casually looked. Your Ca metal has been 'safe' for decades and probably still is. Wouldn't have been sold in metal tins if not reasonably safe. Still, like Mg and other related metals, will react vigorously in mildly acidic solutions (e.g. vinegar) to release flammable hydrogen gas. I wouldn't store it under my child's pillow. No use in fireworking but I could imagine a few hobbyist experiments I'd like to try with it. You've stored it for decades without incident. Left alone, you'd probably die with the same results. Options: 1) Continue storing and leave for your decendants to sort out. You probably won't ignite/explode. Your kid's hate you a lil more in the long term. 2) Bring to the local fire department. Hahaha, they'll be bugeyed for hours figuring out what you have, and even longer figuring out what to do with it. 3) Offer to the fireworking community. Lotta takers, for sure. Especially if not shipped (careful with that one, especially for oxidizers or active metals; Al not so much). 4) Dump it in the garbage. Polluting as all get out. Please avoid. Keep the KCLO3 away from the others, no matter what. 5) Bring back to the high school you swiped them from. Just leave a note in the cardboard box: "Hey, these are yours. I swiped em 40 years ago when i was a student here and an idjit. Thought you maybe could use em back." Personally, I'd suggest #5, hahahahahah. Avoid cameras,hahaha
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