Specification
Description
Potassium iodide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KI. This white salt is the most commercially significant iodide compound, with approximately 37,000 tons produced in 1985. It is less hygroscopic (absorbs water less readily) than sodium iodide, making it easier to work with. Potassium iodide occurs naturally in kelp. Kelp’s iodide content can range from 89 µg/g to 8165µg/g.Aged and impure samples are yellow because of the slow oxidation of the salt to potassium carbonate and elemental iodine.Potassium iodide is medicinally used for thyroid blockade, thyroid storm and also as an expectorant. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.
Synonyms
Potassium monoiodide
IUPAC Name
Potassium;iodide
Canonical SMILES
[K+].[I-]
InChI
InChI=1S/HI.K/h1H;/q;+1/p-1
InChI Key
NLKNQRATVPKPDG-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Solubility
Slightly soluble in ethanol
Appearance
Yellow crystals
Application
Potassium iodide serves multiple critical purposes, primarily as a source of iodine essential for maintaining thyroid health and preventing disorders such as goiter. It is utilized as a supplement in table salt and animal feed to address iodine deficiencies. In medical contexts, potassium iodide plays a pivotal role in regulating thyroid function and is used to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine exposure following environmental contamination by iodine-131. This compound also finds applications in photography, particularly in the production of photographic emulsions and processes, due to its ability to dissolve iodine and form the triiodide ion. Additionally, it is an essential analytical reagent, used in animal chemistry, and offers therapeutic benefits as a radical scavenger, expectorant, and treatment for conditions like sporotrichosis, erythema nodosum, and nodular vasculitis. Its versatility and effectiveness across various fields underscore its significance as an indispensable chemical compound.
Autoignition Temperature
Not flammable (USCG, 1999)
Color/Form
Colorless or white, cubical crystals, white granules, or powder;HEXAHEDRAL CRYSTALS, EITHER TRANSPARENT OR SOMEWHAT OPAQUE
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
2
Monoisotopic Mass
165.86818
Other Experimental
Slightly deliquescent in moist air; on long exposure to air becomes yellow due to liberation of iodine, small amount of iodate may be formed; light and moisture accelerate the decomposition; aqueous solution becomes yellow in time due to oxidation, but a small amount of alkali prevents it;30 g KI with 21 mL water gives 30 mL of a saturated solution at 25 °C;Slightly hygroscopic in moist air;Readily dissolves elemental iodine /Potassium iodide solution/
Stability
Stable. Protect from light and moisture. Incompatible with strong reducing agents, strong acids, steel, aluminium, alkali metals, brass, magnesium, zinc, cadmium, copper, tin, nickel and their alloys.
Storage Conditions
Store at RT.
Topological Polar Surface Area
0 Ų
Vapor Pressure
0.31 mm Hg ( 25 °C)