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Potassium Iodide

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Identification
Molecular formula
KI
CAS number
7681-11-0
IUPAC name
potassium;iodide
State
State
At room temperature, potassium iodide is found in the solid state and often utilized in its dissolved form for various applications.
Melting point (Celsius)
681.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
954.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 330.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 603.00
General information
Molecular weight
166.00g/mol
Molar mass
166.0020g/mol
Density
3.1200g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium iodide is generally a white crystalline solid. It can appear in the form of granules, powder, or crystals. Due to its ionic nature, it is also highly soluble in water, imparting a slight salty taste to the solution.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Iodide (KI)

Potassium iodide (KI) is known for its excellent solubility in water, making it a highly useful compound in various applications. Its solubility can be attributed to the following characteristics:

  • Ionic Nature: KI is an ionic compound, consisting of potassium ions (K+) and iodide ions (I-). The strong interactions between these ions and water molecules lead to its high solubility.
  • Hydration Energy: The hydration of K+ and I- ions releases a significant amount of energy, which further favors the dissolution process.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility of KI increases with temperature, making it more soluble in warm water compared to cold water.

To illustrate its solubility:

  1. K1 in 100 mL of water can dissolve approximately 140 grams at room temperature.
  2. The solubility limit can rise up to 240 grams in hot water.

The compound's remarkable solubility brings it into play in various fields, such as medicine, nutrition, and analytical chemistry. It is important to note that the overall solubility can be influenced by the presence of other ions, which may lead to precipitation under specific conditions.

In summary, potassium iodide is a compound with *outstanding water solubility*, beneficial for both practical uses and scientific studies.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Potassium Iodide (KI)

Potassium iodide is a fascinating chemical compound with a variety of applications and properties that make it significant in both science and medicine. Here are some compelling points to consider:

  • Essential Iodine Source: KI is a vital source of iodine, an essential nutrient for human health, particularly for thyroid function. The thyroid gland uses iodine to synthesize hormones that regulate metabolism.
  • Medical Uses: One of the most well-known applications of potassium iodide is in the event of nuclear emergencies. It can be administered as a protective measure against radioactive iodine exposure, thereby reducing the risk of thyroid cancer.
  • Antiseptic Properties: The compound exhibits antiseptic qualities and can be used to disinfect wounds. Its ability to kill bacteria and fungi makes it a valuable agent in pharmaceuticals and topical solutions.
  • Photography and Imaging: KI is used in the photographic process, particularly in making iodide solutions that are integral to developing silver halide films. The compound’s reactive nature plays a crucial role in this chemical reaction.
  • Role in Chemistry: In organic chemistry, potassium iodide is employed in various reactions, enhancing the reaction rate or acting as a catalyst in synthesizing various chemicals.
  • Formulation of Iodine Solutions: KI serves as a precursor for iodine tinctures and other iodine-based solutions. The solubility of potassium iodide makes it easy to formulate different concentrations for various applications.
  • Scientific Research: KI is frequently used in laboratories for synthesizing iodinated compounds, which are critical in various research fields, including materials science and biochemistry.

As a potent example of how a simple compound can have extensive applications, potassium iodide exemplifies the intersection of chemistry and real-world solutions. The quote from the chemist Roald Hoffmann captures this essence beautifully: "Chemistry is the art of finding the unexpected." Indeed, potassium iodide continues to surprise us with its versatility and importance.

Synonyms
potassium iodide
7681-11-0
Thyro-Block
Kali iodide
potassiumiodide
Thyroshield
Knollide
Kisol
Kalii iodidum
Pima
Asmofug E
Potassium diiodide
Potassium iodide (KI)
Dipotassium diiodide
Potassium monoiodide
Kaliumiodid
Thyrosafe
Joptone
Potide
Iosat
potassium;iodide
Iodure de potassium
Potassium iodide (K2I2)
Kalium iodatum
Caswell No. 694
Kali iodatum
Potassium iodide (K(I2))
K1-N
Potassium iodide (K3I3)
HSDB 5040
EINECS 231-659-4
UNII-1C4QK22F9J
MFCD00011405
NSC 77362
NSC-77362
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 075701
1C4QK22F9J
CCRIS 8168
CHEBI:8346
DTXSID7034836
AI3-52931
Potassium iodide [USP:JAN]
DTXCID5014836
EC 231-659-4
NSC77362
Potassium iodide (USP:JAN)
Tripotassium triiodide
POTASSIUM IODIDE (MART.)
POTASSIUM IODIDE [MART.]
POTASSIUM IODIDE (USP-RS)
POTASSIUM IODIDE [USP-RS]
Potassium iodide [JAN]
POTASSIUM IODIDE (EP MONOGRAPH)
POTASSIUM IODIDE [EP MONOGRAPH]
Iodide, Potassium
POTASSIUM IODIDE (USP MONOGRAPH)
POTASSIUM IODIDE [USP MONOGRAPH]
231-659-4
Thyroblock
Radiban
Thyrojod
potasium iodide
potassium iodid
Potasio ioduro
Potassium salt of hydriodic acid
Kali Iodatum.
Kali Iodatum 1X
Thyroblock (TN)
Gold etchant, standard
Iodine (as potassium)
Potassium Iodide,(S)
Potassium iodide ACS grade
WLN: KA I
Potassium iodide, ultra dry
Potassium iodide, 99.5%
CHEMBL1141
KALI IODATUM [HPUS]
Iodine (as potassium iodide)
Potassium iodide ,meet Ch.P
POTASSIUM IODIDE [MI]
Potassium Iodide Oral Solution
Potassium iodide, ACS reagent
POTASSIUM IODIDE [FCC]
Potassium iodide (JP17/USP)
POTASSIUM IODIDE [HSDB]
POTASSIUM IODIDE [VANDF]
Potassium iodide, LR, >=99%
POTASSIUM IODIDE [WHO-DD]
POTASSIUM IODIDE [WHO-IP]
HMS3651G04
CS-B1801
K I (H2 O)2
Potassium iodide, AR, >=99.8%
Tox21_301293
s1897
KALII IODIDUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
AKOS015833375
POTASSIUM IODIDE [ORANGE BOOK]
CCG-266323
DB06715
FP01275
IODINE (AS POTASSIUM) [VANDF]
Potassium iodide, BioXtra, >=99.0%
NCGC00257542-01
Potassium iodide, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 075701
CAS-7681-11-0
Potassium iodide, Vetec(TM) reagent grade
Potassium iodide, ACS reagent, >=99.0%
Potassium iodide, plant cell culture tested
NS00074349
P1721
SW219147-1
IODINE (AS POTASSIUM IODIDE) [VANDF]
Potassium iodide, BioUltra, >=99.5% (AT)
Potassium iodide, tested according to Ph.Eur.
Potassium iodide, Trace metals grade 99.99%
C08219
D01016
Potassium iodide, SAJ first grade, >=99.5%
AB01274864-01
AB01568251_01
Potassium iodide, >=99.99% trace metals basis
Potassium iodide, JIS special grade, >=99.5%
Potassium iodide, purum p.a., >=99.0% (AT)
Q121874
Z104473300
Potassium iodide, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, >=99.0% (AT)
Potassium iodide, suitable for oxidant determination, >=99.5%
Potassium iodide, anhydrous, beads, -10 mesh, 99.998% trace metals basis
Potassium iodide, puriss. p.a., reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., >=99.5%
Potassium iodide, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Potassium iodide, anhydrous, free-flowing, Redi-Dri(TM), ACS reagent, >=99%
Potassium iodide, anhydrous, free-flowing, Redi-Dri(TM), ReagentPlus(R), 99%
Potassium Iodide, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material