When working with iodine, you’re probably working with several derivatives as well. Most commercial iodine derivatives can be broken up into four groups:
Iodides and iodates are inorganic compounds while aliphatics and aromatics are organic. Continue reading to find out more about iodides, the first group of inorganic commercial iodine derivatives.
Common Iodides and Their Uses
Potassium iodide (KI) forms colorless crystals that are soluble in water, ethanol, methanol and acetone. Potassium iodide is used as a source of iodine in thryrotoxic crisis or a nuclear disaster. It can block absorption of radioactive iodine into the thyroid gland by flooding the bloodstream with non-radioactive iodine. The thyroid will take up the non-radioactive iodine first, thus protecting it from cancer-causing radiation. This compound also acts as an expectorant in cold medicine by increasing the secretion of respiratory fluids.
Sodium Iodide (NaI) also forms colorless crystals that are soluble in water, ethanol, methanol and acetone. NaI is produced by the reaction of iodine with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. It is used as:
•An iodine supplement
•An expectorant that decreases mucus viscosity
•A diagnostic aid in thyroid function tests in its radioactive form (I-131)
Hydrogen iodide (HI) is a colorless, non-flammable gas that fumes in moist air and decomposes in light. It is unstable at room temperature and quickly decomposes into hydrogen and iodine. HI is prepared by catalytic reaction of hydrogen with iodine and is commercially available as an aqueous solution. Fumes from this aqueous solution irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
HI is used in organic and inorganic syntheses as one of the primary sources of iodine and as a reducing agent. It can convert primary alcohols into alkyl halides. In this reaction, HI is preferred over other hydrogen halides because the iodide ion is a much better nucleophile.
Commercially, iodides are the most important iodine derivatives. In general they are soluble in water and have a lower tendency to form complexes like other halides.
Let Ajay-SQM Be Your Iodine Derivative Supplier
From iodides to iodates, Ajay-SQM is a great source for all of your iodine derivative needs. You’ll never have to worry about not having access to enough supplies when you work with our team, as we’re the only producer with multiple production sites for all of the common iodine derivatives you need. Contact us today to see a full listing of our products.