What is Potassium iodate?
[[File:Jodičnan draselný.JPG|thumb|Potassium iodate]] '''Potassium iodate''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is KIO<sub>3</sub>. It has [[potassium]] and [[iodate]] [[ion]]s in it. ==Properties== Potassium iodate is a white solid. It is a strong [[oxidizing agent]]. It is similar to [[potassium bromate]] and [[potassium chlorate]]. It reacts violently with many [[reducing agent]]s. ==Preparation== Potassium iodate is made by reacting [[iodic acid]] with [[potassium hydroxide]] or by reacting [[iodine]] with [[potassium hydroxide]]. This second reaction makes the [[potassium iodide|iodide]] and the iodate. ==Uses== Potassium iodate is used to add iodine to salt. It is better than [[potassium iodide]] because it does not oxidize to iodine and evaporate like potassium iodide does. It is sometimes used in [[flour]] just like [[potassium bromate]]. It is also used for [[radiation]] protection. A [[nuclear explosion]] can make radioactive iodine, which goes into the [[thyroid]] and can make cancer. Eating potassium iodate makes the thyroid full of nonradioactive iodine and prevents radioactive iodine from going in. It lasts longer than potassium iodide. ==Related pages== *[[Potassium periodate]] *[[Periodic acid]] *[[Hypoiodous acid]] [[Category:Potassium compounds]] [[Category:Iodine compounds]]