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Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate represented by the chemical formula KBrO3 or BrKO3 [1] is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is a potassium and bromate salt and an ionic compound [2, 3]. It is a Lewis acid/base generic complex and a strong oxidizing agent [7].

Potassium Bromate

Potassium Bromate Identification

CAS Number 7758-01-2 [1]
PubChem CID 23673461 [1]
ChemSpider ID 22852 [4]
EC Number 231-829-8 [1]

How to Make It

Potassium bromate can be prepared by passing bromine through a hot solution of potassium hydroxide. The products also include potassium bromide and water [8].

3Br2 + 6KOH = KBrO3 + 5KBr + 3H2O

Potassium Bromate Foods

Properties and Characteristics of Potassium Bromate

General Properties

Molar mass/molecular weight 166.999 g/mol [1]

Physical Properties

Color/appearance White crystals or granules [3]
Melting point/freezing point 350°C, 662°F [3]
Boiling point 370°C, 698°F [3]
Density 3.27 g cm-3 [5]
State of matter at room temperature (normal phase) Solid [3]

Chemical Properties

Solubility in water 70 g/l (at 20oC) [5]
pH 5 – 9 (25°C, 5%) [6]

Atomic Properties

Crystal structure Trigonal bipyramidal [3]

Potassium Bromate Structure

Prominent Reactions

Heating the compound to a temperature above 434°C causes it to thermally decompose into potassium bromide and oxygen [11].

2KBrO3 = 2KBr + 3O2

Potassium Bromate Chemical Formula

Potassium Bromate Uses

  1. As a flour and bread improver in baking. It strengthens the dough and allows higher rising [9].
  2. In producing malt barley [9].
  3. In analytical chemistry [5].
  4. Being an effective brominating agent, KBrO3 in sulfuric acid is used to brominate benzene [10].

Is It Dangerous

KBrO3 is carcinogenic (causing DNA damage), neurotoxic and nephrotoxic if ingested. The compound can lead to hyperuricemia and follicular cell tumors of the thyroid. The harmful effects have led to many countries banning its use as a food additive. Inhalation and contact with eyes and skin should be avoided since it can cause severe irritation and damage. It may cause a fire hazard when brought in contact with organic material [5].

Potassium Bromate (KBrO3) Price

5 gram of the compound costs around $29.7 [5].

References

  1. Potassium Bromate – Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Potassium Bromate – Acs.org
  3. Potassium Bromate – Fearschemistry.wikidot.com
  4. Potassium Bromate – Chemspider.com
  5. Potassium Bromate – Chemicalbook.com
  6. Potassium Bromate – Sigmaaldrich.com
  7. KBrO3 Potassium Bromate – Chemthes.com
  8. Preparation of potassium bromate – Prepchem.com
  9. Potassium Bromate (T3D1716) – T3db.ca
  10. An Aromatic Iodination Method, with Iodic Acid Used as the Only Iodinating Reagent – Atamanchemicals.com
  11. The thermal decomposition of potassium bromate – Chemiday.com

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