Potassium Iodide, Crystal, Reagent ACS

ASSAY 99.0+%

CAS: 7681-11-0

This product meets or exceeds the Specifications prepared by the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society (ACS). It is suitable for use in PRECISE LABORATORY ANALYTICAL WORK OF A GENERAL NATURE.

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.

It occurs as odourless, colourless, transparent or somewhat opaque crystals or white granular powder. It is slightly hygroscopic, the taste is saline and slightly bitter. On long exposure to air, it becomes yellow due to the liberation of iodine and small quantities of iodate may be formed.

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

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.

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