Iodine is a non-metallic halogen with a distinctive purple vapor and limited reactivity. It has antimicrobial properties and is a necessary nutrient for good health. Iodine is sparingly soluble in water and is found in the air, earth, water, and ocean. Its properties are used in food supplements, photography, and water purification. Iodine is also used in skin cleansers and is required for good thyroid health.
There are several unique properties of iodine. Classified as a halogen, iodine has a non-metallic, dark gray, lustrous appearance. It has a distinctive purple vapor and does not react well with other chemicals. It has antimicrobial properties which allow it to be used as a disinfectant. Additionally, iodine is a necessary nutrient for good health.
Halogens are non-metallic elements which include iodine, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and astatine. The reactive properties of iodine are quite small, making it the least reactive halogen. Despite this, iodine is capable of forming compounds with different elements.
Sublimation is the process of converting solid iodine into a gas without going through the liquid state. In the case of iodine, the vapor that is produced has a purple color. The process was observed by Bernard Courtois in 1811.
The limited reactive properties of iodine also hinder its ability to dissolve in solution. It is sparingly soluble in water, but is somewhat soluble in carbon tetrachloride. It appears to be more sensitive to non-polar organic solvents than polar solvents.
Iodine is usually found in the air, earth and water. The most abundant source is the ocean. Iodine is mined in parts of Chile, Colorado and New Mexico. The deposits are usually found in saturated salt water or oil brine, which is salt water mixed with oil. Overall, the total annual production of iodine is about 13,000 tons.
Iodine usually ends up in the soil which is used to grow plants. Also, cattle and other livestock will consume these plants and have iodine in their system. Any iodine in the water supply will generally vaporize and enter the atmosphere. Burning coal and fuel also adds iodine to the atmosphere. The vast majority of airborne iodine comes from the oceans.
Iodine’s properties are used for a number of applications, including as a food supplement and as a chemical in photography. As a supplement, iodine is usually added to salt as iodine is not made by the body. In the form of silver iodine, it is used to develop films. Other applications that utilize the properties of iodine include water purification, where iodine tablets are used to neutralize bacteria in drinking water.
Many of the properties of iodine are used to improve health. Several types of skin cleansers use iodine to disinfect wounds. Additionally, iodine is required for good thyroid health. Without it, the thyroid gland will stop working and may become enlarged.
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