What are chemical oxygen candles and how are they used?

Basically, it a mix of chemicals which, when ignited, react together to produce oxygen. Typically it's sodium chlorate and iron powder. Properly designed, an oxygen candle can produce as much oxygen as an adult needs for several hours. read more

Typically it's sodium chlorate and iron powder. Properly designed, an oxygen candle can produce as much oxygen as an adult needs for several hours. They're used for emergency breathing when the air may be cut off or contaminated, such as in submarines, mine cave-ins and fire rescue. read more

Thermal decomposition releases the oxygen. The burning iron supplies the heat. The candle must be wrapped in thermal insulation to maintain the reaction temperature and to protect surrounding equipment. Potassium and lithium chlorate, and sodium, potassium and lithium perchlorates can also be used in oxygen candles. read more

That’s why putting a jar over a lit candle extinguishes it because you deprive the reaction of oxygen reactant. Blowing the candle too hard with pure oxygen will not cause any explosion, but the candle will go out because you separate the flame from the fuel source, the C25H52 candle wax. read more