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Potassium iodate

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Identification
Molecular formula
KIO3
CAS number
7758-05-6
IUPAC name
potassium;iodate
State
State

Potassium iodate is typically found in a solid state at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
560.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
833.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
214.00g/mol
Molar mass
214.0010g/mol
Density
3.8900g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium iodate appears as a white crystalline powder or granules. The crystals are typically colorless to white and have a somewhat salty taste.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Iodate

Potassium iodate, with the chemical formula KIO3, is known for its characteristic solubility properties. When discussing its solubility:

  • Solvent Compatibility: Potassium iodate is soluble in water, but the extent of this solubility can be influenced by various factors such as temperature and pH.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of KIO3 typically increases with rising temperature. This means that warmer water can dissolve more potassium iodate than cooler water.
  • Common Uses: In practical applications, its solubility is particularly valuable in areas such as analytical chemistry and iodized salt production.
  • Precautions: When preparing solutions, it is essential to note that while potassium iodate is soluble, it can also precipitate out of solution under certain conditions, emphasizing the need for careful handling.
  • Overall Characteristics: The solubility of potassium iodate might be categorized as moderate; it is more soluble than some iodide salts but less soluble compared to many other potassium salts.

In summary, potassium iodate's solubility in water presents a fascinating aspect for both practical applications and experimental procedures, making it a compound of interest to chemists and researchers alike.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Iodate

Potassium iodate, an intriguing compound with a plethora of applications, is notable for its chemistry and significance in various fields. Here are some exciting aspects of this compound:

  • Nutritional Importance: Potassium iodate plays a crucial role in human health as an iodine source, which is essential for thyroid function. Adequate iodine intake can help prevent conditions such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and various developmental issues.
  • Water Purification: Due to its strong oxidizing properties, potassium iodate is commonly used in water treatment processes to disinfect drinking water, making it safer for consumption.
  • Indicator in Chemical Reactions: In the field of analytical chemistry, potassium iodate can be used as an indicator in redox reactions, particularly in titrations, where a color change signals the end point of the reaction.
  • Food Industry Applications: It is utilized in the food industry as a dietary supplement and preservative, ensuring that food products maintain their nutritional value and safety.
  • Environmental Science: Researchers often study potassium iodate's behavior and transformation in environmental contexts, which is vital for understanding its impact on ecosystems.

As an interesting aside, the synthesis of potassium iodate often involves the reaction of iodine with potassium hydroxide, leading to the formation of this essential compound. The ability of potassium iodate to be used as a source of iodine in emergency situations, such as nuclear incidents, further emphasizes its importance.

In summary, potassium iodate is more than just a simple chemical; it is a compound with extensive applications that impact health, safety, and scientific research. Its diverse roles demonstrate how a single substance can have multifaceted significance across different domains.