Potassium iodide

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Potassium iodide
Potassium iodide
General
Systematic name Potassium iodide
Other names Kalium iodide,
knollide, potide
Molecular formula KI
Molar mass 166.00 g/mol
Appearance white crystalline solid
CAS number [7681-11-0]
Properties
Density and phase 3.13 g/cm3, solid
Solubility in water 128 g/100 ml (6 °C)
Melting point 681 °C (954 K)
Boiling point 1330 °C (1600 K)
Acidity (pKa)  ?
Alkilinity (pKb)  ?
Structure
Molecular shape  ?
Coordination geometry  ?
Crystal structure  ?
Dipole moment  ? D
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
Main hazards Slightly hazardous
NFPA 704

0
1
0
 
R/S statement R: 36, 38, 42-43, 61
S: 26, 36-37, 39, 45
RTECS number TT2975000
Supplementary data page
Structure & properties n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic data Phase behaviour
Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Other anions potassium bromide
potassium chloride
Other cations lithium iodide
sodium iodide
rubidium iodide
caesium iodide
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Potassium iodide is a white crystalline salt with chemical formula KI, used in photography and radiation treatment. It finds widespread application as an iodide source because it is less hygroscopic than sodium iodide, making it easier to work with. KI can turn yellow upon heating in air or upon standing in moist air for long periods, because of oxidation of the iodide to iodine.

Chemical properties

Potassium iodide behaves as a simple ionic salt, K+I. Since the iodide ion is a mild reducing agent, I is easily oxidised to I2 by powerful oxidising agents such as chlorine:

2 KI( aq) + Cl2(aq) → 2 KCl + I2(aq)

Even air will oxidize iodide as evidenced by the observation of a purple extract when KI is rinsed with dichloromethane. Under acidic conditions, KI is oxidised even more easily, due to the formation of hydroiodic acid (HI), which is a powerful reducing agent.

KI forms I3 when combined with elemental iodine.

KI(aq) + I2( s) → KI3(aq)

Unlike I2, I3 salts can be highly water-soluble. I2 and I3 have virtually identical redox potentials (0.535 and 0.536 V vs NHE, respectively), i.e. they are both mild oxidants relative to H2. Therefore, this reaction allows the iodine to be used in aqueous solutions for redox titrations.

Potassium iodide also serves in some organic reactions as a source of iodide ion (see "uses" below).

Preparation

Potassium iodide may be prepared by the reaction of a potassium base with hydroiodic acid, for example:

HI + KHCO3 → KI + H2O( l) + CO2(g)

Alternatively iron(II) iodide, prepared using scrap iron and iodine (made from iodide rich brines or from Chile saltpeter, can be treated with potassium carbonate:

FeI2 + K2CO3 → 2 KI + FeCO3

Uses

Potassium iodide is used in photography, in the preparation of silver(I) iodide for high speed photographic film:

KI( aq) + AgNO3( aq) → AgI( s) + KNO3( aq)

Potassium iodide is also added to table salt in small quantities to make it "iodized". In a saturated solution, it is also used as an expectorant to treat lung congestion.

KI is often used as a source of iodide ion in organic synthesis. A useful application is in the preparation of aryl iodides from arenediazonium salts, for example:

Saturated solution of potassium iodide is also used as treatment for sporotrichosis, a fungal infection.

In medical use, it can also serve as an antiseptic for people suffering from sore throat. The dose is 0.5g-1.0g in 100mL, with the accompany of iodine (0.5g-1.0g in 100mL).

Role of potassium iodide in radiological emergency preparedness

An unopened box of Potassium iodate tablets, produced and distributed to the population of the Republic of Ireland following a preparedness scandal relating to the Sellafield nuclear power station in the United Kingdom.
Enlarge
An unopened box of Potassium iodate tablets, produced and distributed to the population of the Republic of Ireland following a preparedness scandal relating to the Sellafield nuclear power station in the United Kingdom.

Potassium iodide may also be used to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine in the event of an accident or attack at a nuclear power plant, or other nuclear attack, especially where a nuclear reactor is breached and the volatile radionuclides, which contain significant amount of 131I, are released into the environment. Radioiodine is a particularly dangerous radionuclide because the body concentrates it in the thyroid gland. Potassium iodide cannot protect against other causes of radiation poisoning, however, nor can it provide any degree of protection against a dirty bomb unless the bomb happens to contain a significant amount of radioactive iodine. In case of a nuclear emergency, iodine used for the cleaning of wounds should not be ingested. It is a poison.


Recommended Dosage for Radiological Emergencies involving radioactive iodine
Age KI in mg KIO3 in mg
Over 12 years old 130 170
3 - 12 years old 65 85
1 - 36 months old 32 42
< 1 month old 16 21


See fission products and the external links for more details.

Precautions

Mild irritant, wear gloves. Chronic overexposure can have adverse effects on the thyroid.

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