Potassium chlorite is a potassium salt of chlorous acid (HClO<sub>2</sub>) having a chemical formula KClO<sub>2</sub>. It exists as white powder and its anhydrous form easily undergoes decomposition in presence of heat or radiation (especially gamma rays).
Potassium chlorite is a colorless hygroscopic crystal that deliquesces in the air. It decomposes upon heating into potassium chloride and oxygen, emitting light.
Potassium chlorite forms orthorhombic cmcm crystals and has been reported to decompose within hours at room temperature. It is an oxidizing agent.
Some of the methods of preparation of potassium chlorite are: