Iodine, as we all know, is an important part of our lives. It is the 53rd member of the periodic family. It is represented by the symbol of I or I2, where 2 represents its diatomic form.
It is essential for the human body to release hormones. The terms iodine and iodide have quite different meanings when it comes to reference with science.
Their formation requires a different number of electrons when compared to one another.
Key Takeaways
- Iodine is a chemical element that appears as a purple-black solid, whereas Iodide is an ion that can exist in different compounds.
- Iodine is mainly used for treating thyroid disorders and as a disinfectant, whereas Iodide is used as a supplement to prevent iodine deficiency.
- Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, whereas Iodide plays a crucial role in regulating the thyroid gland’s function.
Iodine vs Iodide
Iodine is a mineral that is found in food, and it is used to make thyroid hormones, which control the body’s metabolism and carry out other functions. Iodide is a compound that consists of iodine and other elements like potassium and calcium, and it is mostly found in the form of salt.
Iodine is an essential element of our lives both in terms of health and existence. Iodine is a necessity of the body for the development of the brain.
It also helps to produce hormones that further lessen the risk of thyroid disease. Iodine is extracted from seaweeds, activated carbon, and brines.
Iodide is a mixture of iodine with other elements, such as calcium and potassium. It is particularly found in the form of salt. It is an ionic state that iodine is converted into.
When iodine and potassium come together, potassium iodide is formed, which has iodine in an ionic state that is considered to be more stable.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Iodine | Iodide |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Electrons | It has an incomplete valance shell. | It has a complete valance shell |
| Charge | It has no charge and hence is neutral. | It has a charge of -1. |
| Definition | It is an element. | It is an ion of iodine. |
| Dependency | It is an independently existing element. | It is an ion combine with another element. |
| Symbol | It has a small symbol of I. | Its symbol is I^-1. |
What is Iodine?
Iodine is an important member of the periodic family. Like any other element, it is found in our surroundings. This element plays an important role in our body that is of making hormones.
Thyroid hormones are released and made with the help of iodine.
Hence, lack of it can cause diseases like thyroid. This hormone further helps in the development of strong bones and a sharp mind at a young age.
Its deficiency is seen worldwide in many people. Many foods contain iodine and hence should be consumed. They include fish, dairy products, salt, which is iodized, etc.
Seaweed is the best source to extract iodine. Also, many kinds of seafood help to increase iodine content in the body. Milk, cheese, and paneer are some major sources of iodine as well.
For vegetarians and vegans, prunes, which are plums, can act as a source of iodine.
However, it is important to know that direct exposure to iodine can cause irritation and redness to the skin. This condition is called iodine burn.
One should always wear tight gloves and clothes while dealing with iodine in the lab. It is non-metallic and semi-shiny in color. It is solid at ordinary room temperature and becomes a liquid at 114 degrees.
Iodine is also used in various activities, especially as a salt. It is used in pharmacy supplies, coloring agents like dyes and paint colors, animal food, display of LED filters, color printing, etc.
Iodide also acts as an excellent catalyst in different types of chemical reactions. Overall, iodine plays various roles in our lives, both chemically and biologically.
What is Iodide?
Iodide is an ionized version of iodine. It is mostly found in a combinational state. When iodine combines with elements like potassium and calcium, it converts to an iodide state.
In an iodine atom, the number of electrons and protons are the same, but when it comes to iodide, the valance shell gains an electron from other elements to become stable and hence form iodide as it has more electrons than protons.
To be more precise, it is called an iodide ion as it now has a charge of -1. The ion is then represented by a symbol of I-1 (-1 being the charge of the ion).
Hence, iodide is not a different element, but the iodine element gains an extra electron in the valance shell in order to be stable.
This extra electron comes from the other element it combines with.
It combines with elements like sodium, potassium, and calcium, which have 1 valance electron in their valance shell, making them perfect partners for making an ionic bond (a bond that is made by the exchange of electrons.)
Another way of making the iodide ion is by sharing electrons between two iodine atoms.
In this, they share one electron to complete the octet state, and hence, individual iodide ions are formed. Together, they form an iodine molecule, which I2 represents.
Main Differences Between Iodine and Iodide
- Iodine is an element, whereas iodide is used to represent the ion of the iodine element.
- Iodine can exist on its own, whereas an iodide ion needs a separate element to donate its electron to it.
- Iodine does not exist independently in nature. It is mixed with any other element to form iodide.
- Iodine is an element, whereas iodide is not.
- Iodine does not have a complete octet state, whereas iodide has a complete octet state.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0160412084901399
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022072866800694
Last Updated : 03 September, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article is a real eye-opener! The information about iodine and its uses in various fields is commendable.
Agreed, Iodine is a versatile element with a range of important uses.
This detailed breakdown of Iodine and Iodide’s properties and roles is truly insightful.
Too much technical jargon for me. I’ll have to go through it again to fully grasp the concept.
It’s quite fascinating to learn about Iodine and Iodide, their functions, and differences. Such articles are instrumental in spreading awareness.
Iodine is a significant chemical element in human body. It’s a very beneficial element.
It’s amazing how Iodine is extracted from seaweeds, activated carbon, and brines. I appreciate the detailed information about this element.
Iodine’s role in our body system is very crucial. The fact that iodine deficiency can cause thyroid diseases shouldn’t be overlooked.
The information about Iodine’s sources and its uses really stands out for me. It’s something I wasn’t familiar with, so it’s good to know.
Interesting article. I appreciate the depth of information shared. It will surely help me understand Iodine and Iodide better.
The comparison table is really helpful. It makes it easier to point out the differences between Iodine and Iodide.
I never knew there was such a difference between Iodine and Iodide. This has been very enlightening. Thank you for sharing.