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Potassium iodate

Chemical compound From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Potassium iodate
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Potassium iodate (KIO3) is an ionic inorganic compound with the formula KIO3. It is a white salt that is soluble in water.[1]

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Preparation and properties

It can be prepared by reacting a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide with iodic acid, for example:[1]

HIO3 + KOH → KIO3 + H2O

It can also be prepared by adding iodine to a hot, concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide:[1]

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:[2]

KI + KClO3 → KIO3 + KCl

The analogous reaction with potassium hypochlorite is also possible:[3]

KI + 3KOCl → 3KCl + KIO3

Conditions/substances to avoid include: heat, shock, friction,[4] combustible materials,[1] reducing materials, aluminium,[4] organic compounds,[1] carbon, hydrogen peroxide and sulfides.[4]

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Applications

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Potassium iodate is sometimes used for iodination of table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. In the US, iodized salt contains antioxidants, because atmospheric oxygen can oxidize wet iodide to iodine; other countries simply use potassium iodate instead.[5] Salt mixed with ferrous fumarate and potassium iodate, "double fortified salt", are used to address both iron and iodine deficiencies.[6] Potassium iodate is also used to provide iodine in some baby formula.[7]

Like potassium bromate, potassium iodate is occasionally used as a maturing agent in baking.[8]

Radiation protection

Thumb
An unopened box of potassium iodate tablets distributed in the early 2000s to Irish households in case of a terror attack on British nuclear facilities.

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.[9] 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.[10] The UK, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. states Idaho and Utah all maintain potassium iodate tablets towards this end.[citation needed] Following the September 11 attacks, the government of Ireland issued potassium iodate tablets to all households for a similar purpose.[11]

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Potassium iodate 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.[13][14]

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Safety

Potassium iodate is an oxidizing agent and as such it can form explosive mixtures when combined with organic compounds.[1]

References

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