Káliumjodid

Káliumjodid is the chemical compound with the formula KI. It is a salt formed from potassium (K+) and iodide (I-) ions. It appears as a white crystalline solid. Káliumjodid is soluble in water and also in ethanol. It is often used as a dietary supplement to prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism. In some countries, potassium iodide is added to table salt to create iodized salt, a public health measure to combat iodine deficiency disorders.

Beyond its nutritional role, káliumjodid has several other applications. In photography, it was historically used as a photographic fixer. In medicine, it can be used to protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear accident. This is because stable iodine from potassium iodide saturates the thyroid, preventing it from taking up radioactive isotopes. It is also used in some eye drops to help diagnose certain eye conditions. In analytical chemistry, it serves as a reagent in titrations. The production of káliumjodid typically involves the reaction of potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide with iodine in the presence of a reducing agent.