Potassium bromate

Potassium bromate is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is KBrO3. It contains potassium and bromate ions.

Properties

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Potassium bromate is a white solid. It is a strong oxidizing agent. It might be a carcinogen.

Preparation

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It can be made by dissolving bromine in hot potassium hydroxide. It can also be made by electrolysis of potassium bromide solution.

Uses

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Potassium bromate is used to make wheat flour better. Some places have banned it from being added to flour because it might be a carcinogen. Normally when the bread is baked the potassium bromate is broken down. If there is too much, then some might be left over in the bread, which is bad.

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