Potassium Iodate: Structure, Formulae, Reactions, Properties

Potassium Iodate (KIO₃) is an ionic compound made of Potassium cation (K⁺) and Iodate anion (IO₃^-). It is one of the most commonly used compounds for the iodization of table salt. Potassium Iodate can be prepared by potassium base with iodic acid or potassium hydroxide iodin. During titration reaction, it can be used to standardize Na₂S₂O₃  solution. In some parts of the world, it is even used in baking.

In practical chemistry, it is predominantly used as an oxidizing agent. It is quite dangerous as it can catch fire instantly if it is brought in contact with reducing agents. Also, a 0.1M solution of potassium iodate can cause irritation in the human body. That is why potassium iodate solution is categorized as hazardous. 

Key Terms: Potassium Iodate, KIO₃, Ionic Compound, Redox, oxidizing agent, Potassium Iodide, KI, titration 

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Formulae

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Potassium Iodate contains Potassium (K) and Iodate (IO₃) in a 1:1 ratio. Hence for every Potassium ion, there exists one Iodate ion in the compound. 

Now, potassium ions have a charge of +1, while iodate ions have a charge of -1. It is known that for deriving the formulae of ionic compounds, the charge needs to be exchanged. So, the formulae of Potassium Iodate is: 

KIO₃

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Structure

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The potassium iodate molecule consists of three oxygen atoms, one Iodine atom, and one potassium atom. 

There is a covalent bond between iodine and oxygen atoms. Two oxygen atoms form double bonds with the Iodine atom, while the third oxygen atom forms a single bond while forming a -1 charge over it. This oxygen atom attracts the potassium atom with a +1 charge to form an ionic bond with it. 

The structure of KIO₃  is drawn below.

Structure of KIO₃

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Physical Properties

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The physical properties of KIO₃ are tabulated below.

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Chemical Properties

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Some of the major reactions of potassium iodate are discussed below:

1. Potassium iodate combines with potassium iodide and sulphuric acid to produce potassium sulphate. This reaction releases water and iodine as well. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is given below.

KIO₃ + 5Kl + 3H₂SO₄ → 3K₂SO₄ + 3H₂O + 3l₂ 

2. Potassium iodate reacts with silver nitrate to give silver iodate and potassium nitrate. It is clearly a double displacement reaction. 

KlO₃ + AgNO₃ → AgIO₃ + KNO₃

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Preparation

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One of the easiest methods of preparing Potassium Iodate is reacting iodic acid with a base containing potassium, most preferably, potassium hydroxide. The reaction is shown below:

HIO₃ + KOH → KIO₃ + H₂O

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Uses of Potassium Iodate

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Potassium Iodate has multiple applications in diverse fields. Some of its common uses are discussed below. 

• It is used in the salt industry to add iodine to sodium chloride. Under wet conditions, iodide is oxidized to iodine, which is then added to the salt. In this way, table salt is iodized in the salt industry. 
• It is used in baking. It helps to condition the dough which makes bread soft and fluffy. It is often regarded as a substitute for baking soda due to this reason. 
• Potassium Iodate is also used as a maturing agent in the food industry. So, it is often used as a food additive. 
• Potassium Iodate is used in the testing of arsenic and zinc. 
• It is used in iodometric reactions. 

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Things to Remember 

• Potassium Iodate is an ionic salt, formed with potassium cation and iodide anion. 
• It contains both the ions in a 1:1 ratio. 
• Its molecular formula is KIO₃ 
• It is a white odorless crystalline solid. 
• It is prepared by reacting iodic acid with potassium hydroxide. 
• It combines with KI and H₂SO₄ to produce K₂SO₄.
• It reacts with AgNO₃ to produce AgIO₃ and KNO₃
• It is predominantly used to iodize salt, in baking, and in iodometric reactions. 

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