Potassium iodide

Synonyms: Potassium iodide, KI, Kalium iodide, Potassium monoiodide, Iodide of potash, Thyro-Shield

Potassium iodide (KI) is an inorganic salt that has been a staple in medicine, nutrition, and chemical manufacturing for well over a century. Unlike elemental iodine, which is volatile and corrosive, KI is a stable, water-soluble crystalline solid that delivers iodide ions in a controlled, predictable manner. Its historical role in thyroid blocking during nuclear emergencies and as an expectorant in cough syrups has made it one of the most recognized inorganic pharmaceuticals, while its modern applications extend far beyond those early uses.

From a chemical standpoint, KI is a simple ionic compound—a potassium cation paired with an iodide anion. This simplicity is exactly what makes it so versatile. The iodide ion is a strong reducing agent and a source of bioavailable iodine, which the thyroid gland uses to synthesize thyroid hormones. In analytical chemistry, KI serves as a classic reagent in iodometric titrations and as a component of Lugol’s solution. Its high solubility in water (approximately 1.48 g/mL at 25°C) allows formulators to prepare concentrated stock solutions without the need for co-solvents or pH adjustments.

In the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical space, potassium iodide is typically offered in USP/EP/BP grades, with assay values between 99.0% and 100.5% on a dried basis. It is a key ingredient in thyroid support supplements, radiation protection kits, and dermatological preparations. The compound also appears in veterinary medicine, photographic processing, and as a catalyst in organic synthesis. For procurement teams, the main considerations are purity grade, heavy metal limits, and consistent particle size—factors that directly affect dissolution behavior and downstream formulation performance.

Función

• Thyroid hormone synthesis: Provides iodide ions essential for the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
• Radiation protection: Saturates the thyroid with stable iodide to block uptake of radioactive iodine-131 in emergency exposure scenarios.
• Expectorant activity: Loosens mucus and facilitates its removal from the respiratory tract in cough preparations.
• Antifungal and antiseptic: Exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial action in topical formulations and wound care.
• Analytical reagent: Acts as a reducing agent and iodide source in iodometric titrations and other quantitative assays.
• Catalyst and stabilizer: Used in organic synthesis and as a stabilizer in certain polymer and photographic processes.

Source & Standardization

• Source: Synthesized from potassium hydroxide and iodine, or from potassium carbonate and hydriodic acid.
• Manufacturing: Controlled reaction followed by crystallization, drying, and milling to achieve the desired particle size distribution.
• Standardization: Complies with USP, EP, BP, and JP monographs; assay typically 99.0%–100.5% on dried basis.
• Forms: White crystalline powder, granules, or free-flowing prills.
• Aplicaciones: Pharmaceutical tablets and syrups, thyroid supplements, radiation protection kits, analytical reagents, veterinary products, and photographic chemicals.

Especificaciones

Documentation & Supply

• Monthly capacity: 50 metric tons
• Plazo de entrega: 3-5 días laborables (artículos en stock)
• Documentación: COA, MSDS, TDS, USP/EP/BP compliance statements, residual solvent declarations
• Embalaje: 25 kg fiber drums with double polyethylene liners; 500 kg and 1000 kg jumbo bags available on request

Solicitud de presupuesto

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