Overview
Iodine is a dark, lustrous halogen used medically as antiseptics and nutritionally to prevent iodine deficiency.
Properties
It forms diatomic I2, soluble in organic solvents, and forms iodide and iodate ions in aqueous chemistry.
Occurrence and Uses
Iodine is extracted from brines and used in nutrition, radiopharmaceuticals, antiseptics and industrial chemistry.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotope I 127 is natural; radioactive I 131 is used clinically and requires radiological safety measures.