Chlorates are salts of chloric acid [7790-93-4], HClO 3 . 1.1. Physical Properties. Aqueous chloric acid is a clear, colorless solution stable when cold up to ca 40 wt% (1). Upon heating, chlorine [7782-50-5], Cl 2 , and chlorine dioxide [10049-04-4], ClO 2 , may evolve. Concentration of chloric Vol. 6 CHLORIC ACID AND CHLORATES 103 Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.