Bromate is a chemical compound containing the bromine atom and an oxygen atom. Its spelling is pronounced as /ˈbrəʊmeɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'bro' is pronounced as /brəʊ/ while the second syllable 'mate' is pronounced as /meɪt/. The 'oa' in bromate is pronounced as /əʊ/, and the 'e' is silent. This word is essential for the manufacturing of flour as an oxidizing agent. However, high exposure to bromate can cause kidney damage and cancer, leading to its gradual control in food production.
Bromate is a noun and a chemical compound that can also act as a verb. As a noun, it refers to a salt or an ester derived from bromic acid. It consists of a bromine atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and another element or molecule. Bromates are typically white or colorless solids that can dissolve in water.
As a verb, bromate refers to the act of adding or treating a substance with bromic acid or a bromate compound. This process is commonly used in various industrial applications, such as water treatment, food processing, and chemical synthesis.
Bromates have found application as powerful oxidizing agents and are sometimes used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and flame retardants. However, their use is highly regulated due to concerns about their potential health effects. Studies have indicated that bromates can be carcinogenic, especially when consumed in high concentrations.
To prevent the presence of bromates in drinking water, many countries, including the United States, have established guidelines and regulations to limit their levels in public water supplies. Various treatment methods, such as using alternative disinfectants or reducing the levels of bromide ion in the water, are employed to minimize bromate formation.
In conclusion, bromate is a chemical compound consisting of a bromine atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and another element or molecule. As a noun, it represents a class of salts or esters derived from bromic acid, while as a verb, it signifies the act of treating a substance with bromic acid or a bromate compound.
A salt of bromic acid combined with a base.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A compound of bromic acid with a base.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bromate" is derived from the element bromine, which is a chemical element with the atomic number 35 and the symbol Br. The word "bromine" originates from the Greek word "brōmos", meaning "stench" or "bad smell", as the element has a strong odor. "Bromate" specifically refers to the compound formed when bromine reacts with oxygen, resulting in the formation of a salt called a bromate. The suffix "-ate" is commonly used in chemistry to denote a compound that contains oxygen and a nonmetal element. By combining the root "brom-" from bromine with the suffix "-ate", the word "bromate" signifies the compound resulting from the combination of bromine and oxygen.