KBrO3

Potassium bromate, with the chemical formula KBrO3, is an inorganic salt consisting of potassium ions (K+) and bromate ions (BrO3−). It is a white, crystalline solid and acts as a strong oxidizing agent in chemical reactions. At room temperature it is relatively stable, but it decomposes when heated to form potassium bromide (KBr) and oxygen.

In chemistry, potassium bromate is used as an oxidizing reagent and in various analytical applications, including iodometric titrations. It is soluble in water, and its solutions must be handled with care because of its oxidizing properties. The compound can react vigorously with reducing agents or organic materials.

Industrial production methods typically involve the chemical or electrochemical oxidation of potassium bromide solutions, sometimes using hypochlorite or chlorine sources to achieve bromate formation. Historically, potassium bromate has been used as a dough conditioner and flour improver to strengthen gluten and increase loaf volume, but its use as a food additive has been restricted or banned in many countries due to concerns about potential health risks.

Safety and regulation: Potassium bromate is toxic and can pose health hazards if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Because of potential carcinogenic effects observed in some studies, many jurisdictions ban or restrict its use as a food additive. Outside of food applications, it remains a reagent in certain laboratory oxidations and analytical procedures.

Related compounds include sodium bromate (NaBrO3) and ammonium bromate (NH4BrO3), which share similar properties and hazards.