jodine

Jodine is a term that appears to be a misspelling or a less common variation of iodine. Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. It is a lustrous, purple-black nonmetal solid at room temperature that sublimes in moist air to form violet vapor. This element is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play a critical role in metabolism, growth, and development.

Iodine deficiency can lead to various health problems, most notably goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, and cretinism, a condition characterized by severe mental and physical retardation. To prevent these issues, iodine is often added to table salt, a practice known as iodization. This public health measure has significantly reduced the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders worldwide.

In addition to its biological importance, iodine has several industrial and medical applications. It is used as a disinfectant, in photography, and in the production of certain pharmaceuticals. Radioactive isotopes of iodine are employed in medical imaging and cancer treatment. The discovery of iodine is attributed to French chemist Bernard Courtois in 1811, who isolated it from seaweed ash.