Potassium chlorate can be produced by the electrolysis of potassium chloride (KCl) solution. In this process, an electric current is passed through a solution of KCl, causing the chloride ions (Cl-) to be oxidized to chlorine gas (Cl2) and the potassium ions (K+) to be reduced to potassium metal (K). The potassium metal then reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide (KOH). The net reaction for the electrolysis of KCl is:

$$2KCl(aq) + 2H_2O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + Cl_2(g) + H_2(g)$$

By controlling the conditions of the electrolysis, such as the concentration of the KCl solution and the voltage applied, it is possible to promote the formation of potassium chlorate (KClO3) instead of potassium hydroxide. This can be achieved by using a higher voltage or by adding a suitable oxidizing agent, such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), to the electrolyte solution. When these oxidizing agents are added, they undergo reduction, leading to the formation of potassium chlorate and the respective reduced products.

Overall, the process for making potassium chlorate involves the electrolysis of potassium chloride solution with controlled conditions and, if necessary, the addition of an oxidizing agent to promote the formation of potassium chlorate instead of potassium hydroxide.