Characteristic

Potassium iodate (KIO₃) is a chemical compound. It is ionic, made up of K+ ions and IO³⁻ ions in a 1:1 ratio.

Chemical formula：KIO₃

Molar mass：214.001 g/mol

Appearance：white crystalline powder

Odor：odorless

Density：3.89 g/cm³

Melting point：560 °C (1,040 °F; 833 K) (decomposes)

Solubility in water：4.74 g/100 mL (0 °C)

                                 9.16 g/100 mL (25 °C)

                                 32.3 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility：soluble in KI solution

insoluble in alcohol, liquid ammonia, nitric acid

Magnetic susceptibility (χ)：−63.1·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol

Application

Potassium iodate is sometimes used for iodination of table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. Because iodide can be oxidized to iodine by molecular oxygen under wet conditions, US companies add thiosulfates or other antioxidants to the potassium iodide. In other countries, potassium iodate is used as a source for dietary iodine. It is also an ingredient in some baby formula milk.

Like potassium bromate, potassium iodate is occasionally used as a maturing agent in baking.