Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is an inorganic compound that usually occurs in the form of white crystals. It is a strong oxidizing agent that slowly decomposes in an aqueous solution and releases oxygen. Potassium bromate has a wide range of applications in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry and industry.

Here are some of the main uses of potassium bromate:

1. Chemical synthesis: Potassium bromate is used as an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, especially in cases where selective oxidation reactions are required, such as oxidizing alcohols to aldehydes or ketones without further oxidation to carboxylic acids.

2. Analytical chemistry: In analytical chemistry, potassium bromate can be used to determine the content of reducing substances and quantify them by titration.

3. Bleach: Potassium bromate can be used as a bleaching agent, especially in the paper industry, for bleaching pulp.

4. Food additives: Potassium bromate has been used as a food additive, especially in the baking process, to improve the texture and color of bread and cakes. However, due to its potential carcinogenic risk, many countries have banned or restricted its use in food.

5. Pharmaceuticals: Potassium bromate also has applications in the pharmaceutical field, such as intermediates used in the production of certain drugs.

6. Electronics industry: In the electronics industry, potassium bromate is used to clean and etch semiconductor materials, such as silicon wafers, to remove impurities and defects.