The heat generated by the burning red phosphorus triggers the decomposition of the potassium chlorate. The oxygen released by potassium chlorate further assists the burning of the red phosphorus.

IN the course of studies on the kinetics of soil nitrification, using our perfusion technique 1, we have observed a remarkable inhibitory effect of potassium chlorate on the conversion of ammonia ...

The heat generated by the burning red phosphorus triggers the decomposition of the potassium chlorate. The oxygen released by potassium chlorate further assists the burning of the red phosphorus.