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Potassium bromate

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Identification
Molecular formula
KBrO3
CAS number
7758-01-2
IUPAC name
potassium;bromate
State
State

Potassium bromate is typically found in its solid state at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
350.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
623.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
167.00g/mol
Molar mass
167.0010g/mol
Density
3.2700g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium bromate is a white crystalline powder that is odorless.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate, with the chemical formula KBrO3, is a fascinating compound when it comes to its solubility properties.

In terms of solubility in water:

  • Highly Soluble: Potassium bromate is considered to be highly soluble in water, allowing it to readily dissociate into potassium ions (K+) and bromate ions (BrO3-).
  • Concentration Considerations: With solubility around 10.6 g/100 mL at 25 °C, this high level of solubility means that it can be used effectively in various aqueous reactions.
  • Temperature Dependence: Like many salts, its solubility can increase with temperature, making it important to consider thermal conditions in practical applications.

Furthermore, the behavior of potassium bromate in solution can be influenced by:

  • pH Levels: The solubility can vary depending on the pH of the solution, as acidic conditions can impact the state and stability of bromate ions.
  • Presence of Other Ions: Interaction with other ions in solution may also affect solubility, as common ion effects could lead to precipitation of the compound.

In summary, potassium bromate is a highly soluble compound with intriguing behaviors in various conditions. Its solubility properties play a vital role in its usage in analytical chemistry and other chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in various fields, especially in food science and chemistry. Here are some intriguing facts about this compound:

  • Oxidizing Agent: Potassium bromate is widely recognized as a strong oxidizing agent. It is often utilized in the baking industry to improve dough strength and bread texture.
  • Chemical Reactions: It undergoes various chemical reactions, making it a valuable compound in labs for synthesizing other chemicals.
  • Regulatory Status: While it is effective in improving the quality of bread, potassium bromate's health safety has been questioned. Several countries have banned its use in food products due to potential carcinogenic effects.
  • Historical Significance: Discovered in the early 19th century, potassium bromate has a storied history, initially used in pharmaceuticals before finding its way to the food industry.
  • Alternative Practices: Due to health concerns, many bakers have shifted to using alternatives that promote similar bread qualities without compromising safety.

In summary, potassium bromate is a compound that encapsulates the intersection of chemistry and food science, highlighting the need for careful consideration of both its benefits and potential risks. A quote often noted in chemistry is: "All substances are poisons; there is none that is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy." This perfectly summarizes the dual-edged nature of potassium bromate in its applications.