Iodine is a very important and essential element for life. It is very important for living organisms especially human beings. Why? Because it is part of the biological molecules which is sustaining life. It is an important element for the synthesis of growth-regulating thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T4 and T3 respectively). If there is a decrease in the supply of iodine the thyroid tissue will enlarge to absorb more iodine resulting in goitre.
It is also important commercially. For example, Iodine is used as a catalyst in the Monsanto and Cativa processes for the production of acetic acid. Other applications include animal feed supplements, dye, chemical indicator and cloud seeding etc.
What is povidone-iodine?
Povidone-iodine also called iodopovidone. It is an antiseptic, used before and after surgery for skin disinfection. It may also be applied to minor skin cuts and wounds. povidone-iodine is a chemical complex of povidone, hydrogen iodide. The product is not recommended to use on large wounds which may cause metabolic acidosis. It has some 1% iodine and 10% povidone. when applying to a wound or skin it releases iodine which kills microorganisms.
What colour is iodine?
In a gaseous state, iodine has a violet colour. In the liquid state, it has a blackish violet colour. And in solid-state it has metallic grey colour.
How many protons does iodine have?
The proton number of iodine is 53. There are 53 protons in the nucleus of an electrically neutral atom of iodine.
