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Potassium iodide

IUPAC: potassium iodide

IK Salts CAS 7681-11-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationIK
CAS Number7681-11-0
Molecular Weight166.0028
Melting Point1258 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointVery high (USCG, 1999)
Density3.13 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilitySlightly soluble in ethanol
AppearancePotassium iodide is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known As7681-11-0; Thyro-Block; Pima; Kali iodide; Thyroshield; Knollide; Iosat; Kisol; Potassium iodide (KI); Potassium monoiodide
CategorySalts

What is Potassium iodide?

Potassium iodide is a metal iodide salt with a K(+) counterion. It is a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a radical scavenger and an expectorant. It contains an iodide.

Formula & Notation

IK

IUPAC Name: potassium iodide

Other Names / Synonyms: 7681-11-0; Thyro-Block; Pima; Kali iodide; Thyroshield; Knollide; Iosat; Kisol; Potassium iodide (KI); Potassium monoiodide

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Potassium iodide is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: IK. Molecular weight: 166.0028 g/mol. Boiling point: Very high (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 1258 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 3.13 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Slightly soluble in ethanol.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point1258 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointVery high (USCG, 1999)
Density3.13 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight166.0028
SolubilitySlightly soluble in ethanol
AppearancePotassium iodide is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Potassium iodide
Formula IK
CAS Number 7681-11-0
Molecular Weight 166.0028
Category Salts
Synonyms 7681-11-0; Thyro-Block; Pima; Kali iodide; Thyroshield; Knollide; Iosat; Kisol; Potassium iodide (KI); Potassium monoiodide

Frequently Asked Questions

Potassium iodide is a metal iodide salt with a K(+) counterion. It is a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a radical scavenger and an expectorant. It contains an iodide.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.