Potassium iodate is an oxidizing agent used to prepare 2-styrylchromones from o-hydroxy-ω-cinnamylideneacetophenones by oxidative cyclization. It is used to iodinate table salt in order to prevent iodine deficiency. It is an active ingredient in baby formula milk. As a maturing agent, it is used in baking. Furthermore, it is involved in the protection of radioactive iodine accumulation in the thyroid.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.