Káliumjidát

Káliumjidát, also known as potassium iodide, is a chemical compound with the formula KI. It is an ionic salt formed from potassium cations (K+) and iodide anions (I-). In its pure form, potassium iodide is a white crystalline solid that is readily soluble in water. It is also soluble in some organic solvents, such as ethanol and glycerol.

Potassium iodide is a vital source of iodide ions, which are essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the human body. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine deficiency can lead to various health problems, including goiter and hypothyroidism. For this reason, potassium iodide is often added to table salt, a practice known as iodization, to prevent iodine deficiency disorders in populations.

Beyond its nutritional significance, potassium iodide has several other applications. In medicine, it is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and to protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine, a measure taken in certain nuclear emergencies. It is also used as a photographic chemical, in the manufacturing of certain types of glass, and as a reagent in analytical chemistry. The production of potassium iodide typically involves the reaction of potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate with iodine.