Potassium Bromate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

Potassium is a chemical element with the symbol K . Its atomic number is 19, and its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s¹. Belonging to the fourth period, the first group, it is mostly used in treating and preventing low potassium levels. It can be found naturally as minerals and salt. Bromine is the chemical element with the symbol Br.It’s atomic number is 35 and it’s electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁵. It belongs to the 17 groups and 4 periods of the periodic table. It is a P-Block element. Oxygen, having the symbol “O”, its atomic number is 8, and its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁴. In the periodic table, it is a member of the chalcogen group. Oxygen plays a critical role in respiration. It is an odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas consisting of 21% of the atmosphere. It is mainly used in the manufacture of chemicals by controlled oxidation.

Potassium Bromate Formula 

Potassium Bromate is a widely used form of bromine with the chemical formula KBrO₃. Taking the form of white crystals or powder is the characteristic of potassium bromate. It is a strong oxidizing agent. It is an ionic compound or salt which is formed of K⁺ and BrO₃^–. It is an inorganic compound. It is also called bromate. With the high melting point, it is also water-soluble. It is a moderately toxic compound. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory stimulation, and renal injury.  

Structure Of Potassium Bromate 

Physical Properties Of Potassium Bromate 

• Potassium Bromate  molar mass is 167.00 g/mol
• Its density is 3.27 g/cm³
• Its Boiling point is 370°C
• Its Melting point is 350°C

Chemical Properties Of Potassium Bromate 

• The chemical formula of Potassium Bromate is KBrO₃
• It is odorless and  a white crystalline powder
• It is slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in acetone, ethanol
• The reaction with sodium bromate in the presence of dilute acid solution forms bromine               

BrO₃^– + 5 Br^– + 6H⁺ ⇢ 3 Br₂ + 3 H₂O

Uses Of Potassium Bromate 

• Potassium Bromate is used as an oxidizer used to strengthen the dough and enhance its elasticity.
• It helps to bake uniform and whitened bread
• It is used as a flour improver 
• It is used in the production of malt barley
• It is a source of bromine
• It is used in toothpaste as an antiseptic and astringent

Sample Questions

Question 1: What is the bromination method?

Answer:

This procedure basically consists of the oxidation of hydrobromic acid by hydrogen peroxide without the use of any transition metal catalyst.

Question 2: What is bleached and Bromated flour?

Answer:

This process is known as bleaching and many refined white flours on the market, especially cake flours are bleached, added to flour to strengthen the dough structure giving higher rising bread in the oven.

Question 3: What elements does oxygen bond with?

Answer:

Oxygen is reactive and will form oxides with all other elements except the noble gases helium, neon, and krypton. So it can be said that oxygen mostly bonds with all elements.

Question 4: What is the difference between bromination and chlorination?

Answer:

In bromination, reaction is endothermic, and the transition state resembles the products. In chlorination, the reaction is exothermic, and the transition state resembles the reactants. According to Hammond’s postulate, the transition state is early can be concluded.

Question 5: What are the sources of Potassium Bromate?

Answer:

Potassium Bromate can be found in some the foods like buns, bread, flours, pizza dough, and pretty much anything that contains flour. It is an oxidizing agent and one of the best dough improvers in the baking industry. 

Question 6: What are the causes of  Potassium Bromate?

Answer:

The substance is a probable carcinogen, and it is linked to the probability of causing cancer in human beings. since it has been shown to cause kidney, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancer in animals.