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 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

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]

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 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