Iodine Tincture Extra Pure
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Iodine Tincture Extra Pure is a high-quality antiseptic solution composed of elemental iodine dissolved in a mixture of alcohol and potassium iodide. It is widely used for disinfecting wounds, sterilizing skin before medical procedures, and as a laboratory reagent in various analytical and microbiological applications. Its fast-acting antimicrobial properties make it effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In laboratory settings, it serves as a reliable indicator and staining agent. Due to its volatility and staining nature, the tincture should be handled with care and stored in tightly closed, amber-colored bottles to preserve stability and prevent degradation.
USES
Primary Laboratory Uses:
- Antiseptic and Disinfectant Studies:
Iodine tincture is commonly used in microbiology labs to study antimicrobial efficacy, particularly in surface sterilization and wound disinfection models. - Biological Staining:
Used as a mordant or contrast agent in microscopic studies, especially for enhancing visibility of cell structures in plant and animal tissues. - Chemical Testing for Starch:
Serves as a quick field reagent for starch detection, where the presence of starch turns the iodine solution deep blue-black.
Secondary Laboratory Uses:
- Iodine Source in Redox Titrations (Iodometry):
May serve as a readily available iodine source in some titration procedures when high-purity iodine is not required. - Educational Demonstrations and Experiments:
Used in science education to demonstrate concepts such as diffusion through membranes, osmosis, or antiseptic action in practical biology and chemistry. - Preparation of Dilute Iodine Solutions:
Acts as a stock solution for preparing various iodine-based reagents used in both analytical chemistry and biochemistry.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Product Name: Iodine Tincture
- Grade: Extra Pure (Laboratory/Analytical Grade)
- Typical Composition:
- Iodine (I₂): 1–2%
- Potassium iodide (KI): ~2%
- Ethanol: ~47%
- Purified water: balance
- Appearance: Reddish-brown liquid
- Odor: Strong, characteristic iodine-alcohol odor
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohol
- Boiling Point: Depends on ethanol content (~78 °C)
- pH: Slightly acidic
- Vapor Pressure: Moderate due to ethanol
- Volatility: High (flammable due to alcohol content)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
⚠️ Flammable Liquid (Category 2)
⚠️ Acute Toxicity – Oral/Inhalation (Category 4)
⚠️ Skin Irritation (Category 2)
⚠️ Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
⚠️ Aquatic Hazard (Category 1) - Hazard Statements:
- H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
- H315: Causes skin irritation
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation
- H302 + H332: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled
- H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
- PPE Requirements:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety goggles
- Lab coat
- Use in fume hood or well-ventilated space
- First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical help
- Skin: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
- Eyes: Rinse with water for 15 minutes, seek attention
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek urgent medical care
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Keep tightly closed in amber or opaque bottles
- Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from flames and heat sources
- Avoid exposure to light and oxidizers
- Container Type: Glass or compatible plastic with vapor-tight seal
- Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, reducing agents
5. Regulatory & Transport
- UN Number: 1219 (Isopropanol-based tincture) or 1170 (Ethanol-based)
- Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
- Packing Group: II
- Labeling: Flammable, Irritant, Environmental Hazard
6. Laboratory Applications
- Primary Uses:
- Laboratory antiseptic and disinfectant demonstration
- Source of iodine and iodide in experiments
- Reagent in starch/iodine tests
- Topical antiseptic in biological experiments
- Secondary Uses:
- Preparation of iodine test kits
- Iodometry and redox studies
- Microbiology and histology procedures
- Classroom experiments for volatility, evaporation, and reaction with starch
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, nitrile gloves, and safety goggles.
- Use in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood due to volatile solvents.
Handling:
- Avoid skin and eye contact; iodine and alcohol can be irritating.
- Prevent inhalation of vapors.
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces—no smoking.
Storage:
- Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space.
- Keep away from light, heat, and incompatible substances (e.g. strong oxidizers).
- Flammable—store away from ignition sources.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air.
- Keep breathing comfortable for breathing.
- Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs.
Skin Contact:
- Immediately wash with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
- Rinse carefully with water for several minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
- Continue rinsing and seek medical help.
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
- Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
- Highly flammable due to alcohol content.
Extinguishing Media:
- Use CO₂, dry chemical powder, or alcohol-resistant foam.
- Water spray can cool surfaces but may spread flammable liquids.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
- Iodine vapors, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes.
Firefighter Protection:
- Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Evacuate the area and fight fire from a safe distance.