Lugol'S Iodine

Product NameLugol'S Iodine
CAS12298-68-9
MFI3K
MW419.81
EINECS235-567-5
MOL File12298-68-9.mol

Chemical Properties

Density	1.007 g/mL at 20 °C
refractive index	n20/D 1.335
storage temp.	room temp
form	Liquid
color	Red-brown
CAS DataBase Reference	12298-68-9
EPA Substance Registry System	Potassium triiodide (12298-68-9)

Safety Information

WGK Germany	1
F	8

MSDS

Provider	Language
SigmaAldrich	English

Usage And Synthesis

Uses

Lugol'S Iodine is a medication and disinfectant used for a number of purposes.Taken by mouth it is used to treat thyrotoxicosis until surgery can be carried out, protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, and to treat iodine deficiency.When applied to the cervix it is used to help in screening for cervical cancer.As a disinfectant it may be applied to small wounds such as a needle stick injury.A small amount may also be used for emergency disinfection of drinking water.

Definition

Lugol'S Iodine is a solution of potassium iodide with iodine in water.

Mechanism of action

The above uses and effects are consequences of the fact that the solution is a source of effectively free elemental iodine, which is readily generated from the equilibrium between elemental iodine molecules and polyiodide ions in the solution.

Side effects

Side effects may include allergic reactions, headache, vomiting, and conjunctivitis.Long term use may result in trouble sleeping and depression.It should not typically be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Formulae

The most commonly used (nominal) 5% solution consists of 5% (wt/v) iodine (I2) and 10% (wt/v) potassium iodide (KI) mixed in distilled water and has a total iodine content of 126.4 mg/mL. The (nominal) 5% solution thus has a total iodine content of 6.32 mg per drop of 0.05 mL; the (nominal) 2% solution has 2.53 mg total iodine content per drop.