Match Head Reaction | Department of Chemistry | University ...
T o t a l Δ G = − 9182 k J / m o l. The head of "strike anywhere" matches contain an oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate together with tetraphosphorus trisulfide, P₄S₃, glass and binder. The phosphorus sulfide is easily ignited, the potassium chlorate decomposes to give oxygen, which in turn causes the phosphorus sulfide to burn ...