Potassium iodate

Potassium iodate
Identifiers
CAS number 7758-05-6 Y
PubChem 24448
ChemSpider 22856 Y
UNII I139E44NHL Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula KIO3
Molar mass 214.001 g/mol
Appearance white crystalline powder
Density 3.89 g/cm3
Melting point

560 °C decomp.

Solubility in water 4.74 g/100 mL (0 °C)
32.3 g/100 mL (100 °C)
Solubility soluble in KI solution
insoluble in alcohol, liquid ammonia
Hazards
EU Index Oxidant [O]
R-phrases R9, R22, R36, R37, R38
S-phrases S35
NFPA 704
0
2
1
Flash point Non-flammable
Related compounds
Other anions Potassium chlorate
Potassium bromate
Other cations Sodium iodate
Related compounds Potassium iodide
Potassium periodate
 Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

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

Contents

Chemical properties

Potassium iodate is an oxidizing agent and as such it can cause fires if in contact with combustible materials or reducing agents. It can be prepared by reacting a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide with iodic acid, for example:

HIO3 + KOH → KIO3 + H2O

It can also be prepared by adding iodine to a hot, concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide.

3 I2 + 6 KOH → KIO3 + 5 KI + 3 H2O

Or by fusing potassium iodide with potassium chlorate, bromate or perchlorate, the melt is extracted with water and potassium iodate is isolated from the solution by crystallization[1]:

KI + KClO3 → KIO3 + KCl

Conditions/substances to avoid include: heat, shock, friction, combustible materials, reducing materials, aluminium, organic compounds, carbon, hydrogen peroxide and sulfides.

Applications

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

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

Radiation protection

Potassium iodate may be used to protect against accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid by saturating the body with a stable source of iodine prior to exposure.[2] Approved by the World Health Organization for radiation protection, potassium iodate (KIO3) is an alternative to potassium iodide (KI), which has poor shelf life in hot and humid climates.[3] The UK, Ireland, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and US states Idaho and Utah are known to stock potassium iodate in tablet form. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a thyroid blocker, and the FDA has taken action against US websites that promote this use.[4][5]

Recommended Dosage for Radiological Emergencies involving radioactive iodine[6]
Age KI in mg KIO3 in mg
Over 12 years old 130 170
3 - 12 years old 65 85
1 - 36 months old 32 42
< 1 month old 16 21

References