Iodine-Properties And Applications

Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. It is a non-metallic element that belongs to the halogen family. Iodine was discovered in 1811 by French chemist Bernard Courtois and is named after the Greek word “iodes”, meaning violet-colored.

Property	Value
Name	Iodine
Symbol	I
Atomic number	53
Relative atomic mass (Ar)	126.90447
Standard state	Solid at 298 K
Appearance	Violet-dark grey, lustrous
Classification	Non-metallic
Group in periodic table	17
Group name	Halogen
Period in periodic table	5
Block in periodic table	p
Shell structure	2.8.18.18.7
CAS Registry	7553-56-2

Physical Properties

Iodine is a lustrous, dark gray solid at room temperature. It has a melting point of 113.7°C and a boiling point of 184.3°C. Iodine is a relatively rare element in the Earth’s crust, and occurs mainly in seawater, brines, and in deposits of some minerals.

Chemical Properties

Iodine is a highly reactive element that forms compounds with many other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, and metals. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can react violently with certain organic materials. Iodine can also form polyatomic ions and molecular compounds.

Facts

• Iodine is an essential element for human health and is a component of the hormone thyroxine, which helps regulate metabolism.
• Iodine deficiency is a major public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.
• Iodine has a distinctive violet color in its gaseous state and can be used as a test for starch.
• Iodine is used in various applications, including in medicine, photography, and as a disinfectant.

Applications

• Iodine is used in the production of acetic acid, which is used in the production of a wide range of products, including plastics, adhesives, and textiles.
• Iodine is used as a disinfectant in the form of iodine tincture or iodophor, which is used in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
• Iodine is used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, including hyperthyroidism and iodine deficiency.
• Iodine is used in the production of photographic film, as it is sensitive to light and can be used to produce high-quality images.