Difference Between Iodine and Iodine Tincture

Key Difference – Iodine vs Iodine Tincture
 

Iodine is the largest stable halogen in the halogen group. At standard conditions, it exists as a lustrous, purple-black metallic solid. Tincture of iodine is a solution of Iodine in alcohol. The key difference between Iodine and Iodine tincture is that Iodine is an element which is not linked to any other element or compound whereas Iodine tincture is a solution of Iodine in alcohol. Iodine tincture only contains a little amount of elemental Iodine.

CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Iodine
3. What is Iodine Tincture
4. Side by Side Comparison – Iodine vs Iodine Tincture
5. Summary

What is Iodine?

Iodine is the largest stable halogen in the halogen group. At its solid state, it is a dark brown colored compound. In nature, Iodine is found in the solid state. It is very reactive and readily forms complexes with many other elements. Iodine is very soluble in water. Hence, it is abundantly found in the ocean. But nowadays, the main source for Iodine extraction is Iodate minerals. Another source of iodine is brine solution. Brine solution is a highly concentrated solution which has a high amount of common salt (sodium chloride) dissolved. Iodine can be found in seaweed as well.

Iodine is an essential element for humans. But it is needed in trace amounts. Normally, enough amount of Iodine can be obtained from food. Iodine is essential because it is a part of thyroxin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that controls the body’s physical and mental development. Thus, the lack of Iodine causes swelling of the thyroid gland. Therefore, Iodine is added to salt, which is added to most of the food. When handling Iodine, care should be taken to avoid injuries because it can burn the skin. But healthy levels of Iodine will help to prevent substance like fluorine, bromine from interfering with thyroid function.

Figure 01: Iodine

What is Iodine Tincture?

Iodine tincture is simply a solution of Iodine in alcohol. It is an antiseptic. Sometimes it is called weak Iodine solution. This is because it has a little amount of elemental Iodine. It usually contains 2-7% of elemental iodine. The other components are Potassium Iodate, ethanol, and water. This is specifically made because application of elemental iodine directly on the skin would cause burns. But since iodine can be used to remove harmful pathogens from skin or wounds, tincture of iodine, which has a diluted concentration of iodine, is manufactured. Potassium iodate is used for better dissolution of iodine in the solution. Ethanol is used for better evaporation. When applied on the skin, iodine tincture will quickly evaporate, leaving iodine on the skin, so cleaning is quick. The term Iodine solution generally refers to iodine tincture. This is used as a disinfectant in sanitation as well.

What is the difference between Iodine and Iodine Tincture?

Summary – Iodine vs Iodine Tincture

Both iodine and iodine tincture have disinfectant properties. But iodine is toxic and can be used only on objects if it is used for disinfectant purposes. But unlike iodine, iodine tincture has mild properties, so it can be applied on skin for cleaning wounds. But iodine tincture should be used only on external injuries. The key difference between iodine and iodine tincture is that Iodine is an element which is not linked to any other element or compound whereas Iodine tincture is a solution of Iodine in alcohol.

References:
1. Eps, J. V., 2009-2016. iodine-resource. [Online] Available at: http://www.iodine-resource.com/about-me.html
[Accessed 26 05 2017].
2. Anon., 2016. Royal society of Chemistry. [Online] Available at: http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/53/iodine
[Accessed 26 05 2017].

Image Courtesy:
1. “Iodine-sample”By Benjah-bmm27 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

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