Potassium iodide is an inorganic chemical compound which is denoted by the chemical formula KI. Potassium iodide is a metal-halide salt featuring an ionic bond between the potassium cation and the iodide anion . It is colourless to white, it appears as cubical crystals, or powder or white granules. It has a highly bitter, saline taste.

This compound is prepared by iodine and mixing potassium hydroxide. It is one of the most effective and safe medicines required in a health system and is in the list of the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.

 Properties

Chemical Formula : KI

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass : 166.0028 g/mol

Density : 3.12 g/cm³

Boiling Point : 1330 °C

Melting Point : 681 °C

Uses of Potassium Iodide

It is used as a nutritional supplement in the human diet as well as in animal feeds.

It is used in table salt as the most common additive.

It is used to avoid the loss of iodine due to oxidation from salts.

It is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

It helps in promoting hormonal balance.

It helps to filter out chlorides, bromides, fluorides, and mercury from cells and tissues.

It is used as an expectorant to break up the mucus so the patient can breathe easily.

It can help in shrinking the size of the thyroid gland and also decreases the number of thyroid hormones produced.