Potassium bromate

Chembox new
ImageFile=Potassium bromate.pngImageSize=150px
IUPACName=Potassium bromate(V)
OtherNames=Bromic acid, potassium salt; Bromated flour
Section1= Chembox Identifiers
CASNo=7758-01-2
PubChem=24444
SMILES= [O-] Br(=O)=O. [K+]
Section2= Chembox Properties
Formula=KBrO₃
MolarMass=167.0005
Appearance=white crystalline powder
Density=3.27 g/cm³
MeltingPt=350 °C
BoilingPt=370 °C (decomposes)
Solubility=6.91 g/100 mL (20°C)
Section3= Chembox Hazards
MainHazards= Oxidant,Harmful
NFPA 704
NFPA-H = 3
NFPA-F =
NFPA-R = 2
NFPA-O = OX
FlashPt=
Autoignition=
RPhrases= R9 R25 R45
SPhrases= S16 S53

Potassium bromate (KBrO₃), is a bromate of potassium and takes the form of white crystals or powder.

It is typically used as a flour improver (E number E924), strengthening the dough and allowing higher rising. It is an oxidizing agent, and under the right conditions, will be completely used up in the baking bread. However, if too much is added, or if the bread is not cooked long enough or not at a high enough temperature, then a residual amount will remain, which may be harmful if consumed. Potassium bromate might also be used in the production of malt barley where the United States FDA has prescribed certain conditions where it may be used safely, which includes labeling standards for the finished malt barley product. [ [http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.730 Section 172.730 Potassium Bromate] , Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption, US Code of Federal Regulations, US Food and Drug Administration] It is a very powerful oxidizer (E° = 1.5 volts comparable to potassium permanganate). Bromate is considered a category 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). [ [http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol73/73-17.html IARC--Summaries & Evaluations: Potassium Bromate (Group 2B)] , International Agency for Research on Cancer]

Potassium bromate has been banned from use in food products in Europe, as well as the United Kingdom in 1990, and Canada in 1994, and most other countries. It was banned in Sri Lanka in 2001 [ [http://www.elaw.org/news/advocate/default.asp?issue=2001-4 Bridges Across Borders] , Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide] and China in 2005. It is also banned in Nigeria, Brazil and Peru.

In the United States it has not been banned. The FDA sanctioned the use of bromate before the Delaney clause of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act went into effect in 1958 — which bans carcinogenic substances — so that it is more difficult for it to now be banned. Instead, since 1991 the FDA has urged bakers to voluntarily stop using it. In California a warning label is required when bromated flour is used.

References