Potassium iodate
| Potassium iodate |
|
An unopened box of Potassium iodate
tablets, produced and distributed to
the population of the
Republic of Ireland following a
preparedness scandal relating to the
Sellafield nuclear power station
in the United Kingdom.
|
| General |
| Other names |
iodic acid, potassium salt |
| Molecular formula |
KIO3 |
| Molar mass |
214.00 g/mol |
| Appearance |
white crystalline powder |
| CAS number |
[7758-05-6] |
| Properties |
| Density and phase |
3.89 g/cm³, solid |
| Solubility in water |
32g/100ml (100°C) |
| Melting point |
560°C
partial decomposition |
| Boiling point |
? |
| Hazards |
| EU classification |
not listed |
| NFPA 704 |
|
| Related compounds |
| Other anions |
potassium iodide
potassium periodate
potassium bromate
potassium chlorate |
| Other cations |
sodium iodate
silver iodate
|
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references |
Potassium iodate (KIO3) is a chemical compound. It is sometimes used in radiation treatment, as it can replace radioactive iodine from the thyroid. See potassium iodide for more information on this use.
Like potassium bromate, potassium iodate is occasionally used as a maturing agent in baking.
Potassium iodate is an oxidizing agent and as such it can cause fires if in contact with combustible materials or reducing agents. It can be prepared by reacting a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide with iodic acid, for example:
- HIO3 + KOH → KIO3 + H2O
It can also be prepared by adding iodine to a hot, concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide.
- 3 I2 + 6 KOH → KIO3 + 5 KI + 3 H2O
Conditions/substances to avoid include: heat, shock, friction, combustible materials, reducing materials, aluminum, organic compounds, carbon, hydrogen peroxide and sulfides.
Use
Potassium iodate is used for iodination of table salt, because iodide can be oxidized by molecular oxygen to iodine under wet conditions. To prevent this US companies add thiosulfates or other antioxidants to the potassium iodide, while in some other countries potassium iodate is used as source for iodine. It is also an ingredient in baby formula milk.
References
|
Top