Characteristic

Potassium bromate (KBrO₃), is a bromate of potassium and takes the form of white crystals or powder. It is a strong oxidizing agent.

Chemical formula:KBrO₃

Molar mass:167.00 g/mol

Appearance:white crystalline powder

Density:3.27 g/cm³

Melting point:350 °C (662 °F; 623 K)

Boiling point:370 °C (698 °F; 643 K) (decomposes)

Solubility in water:3.1 g/100 mL (0 °C);6.91 g/100 mL (20 °C);13.3 g/100 mL (40 °C);49.7 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility:Insoluble in acetone

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−52.6·10−6 cm³/mol

Crystal structure:hexagonal

Application

Used as an analytical reagent and an oxidizing agent. Potassium bromate is used primarily as a maturing agent for flour and as a dough conditioner. It is also used as a laboratory reagent, in permanent-wave compounds such as food additives and explosives.