Iodide vs. Iodine: Know the Difference

Iodine is a chemical element, essential for human health.

Iodine is converted to iodide in the human body.

Iodine appears as a dark purple-black solid at room temperature.

Iodine appears as a dark purple-black solid at room temperature.

Iodine is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic.

Iodine is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic.

Iodine is converted to iodide in the human body.

Iodine can be dangerous in its elemental form.

Iodine can be dangerous in its elemental form.

Symbol I A lustrous, purple-black, corrosive, poisonous halogen occurring as a diatomic molecule, I2, that easily sublimes to give a purple gas and is a trace element essential for proper thyroid function. Radioactive isotopes, especially I-131, are used as medical tracers and in thyroid disease diagnosis and therapy. Iodine compounds are used as germicides, antiseptics, and dyes. Atomic number 53; atomic weight 126.9045; melting point 113.7°C; boiling point 184.4°C; density of gas 11.27 grams per liter; specific gravity (solid, at 20°C) 4.93; valence 1, 3, 5, 7. See Periodic Table.

Univalent anionic iodine, or a compound of iodine, especially a binary compound of iodine with a more electropositive element.

An antiseptic preparation containing iodine in solution, used to treat wounds.

(inorganic chemistry) A binary compound of iodine and another element or radical.

A chemical element (symbol: I) with an atomic number of 53; one of the halogens.

A binary compound of iodine, or one which may be regarded as binary, in which iodine has a valence of -1; as, potassium iodide.

An antiseptic incorporating the element.

A salt or ester of hydriodic acid

An iodide.

(transitive) to treat with iodine.

A nonmetallic element, of the halogen group of atomic number 53, occurring always in combination, as in the iodides. When isolated it is in the form of dark gray metallic scales, resembling plumbago, soft but brittle, and emitting a chlorinelike odor. Symbol I. Atomic weight 126.90. If heated, iodine volatilizes in beautiful violet vapors.

A nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)

A tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic

Iodine is a chemical element, essential for human health.