Iodine vs. Iodide — What's the Difference?

Elemental form.

Ion form.

Found in nature.

Highly soluble.

Less soluble in water.

Used in radiography.

Essential for health.

Added to salt.

Used as an antiseptic.

Bioavailable for the thyroid.

Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid at standard conditions that melts to form a deep violet liquid at 114 degrees Celsius, and boils to a violet gas at 184 degrees Celsius.

An iodide ion is the ion I−. Compounds with iodine in formal oxidation state −1 are called iodides.

Symbol I A lustrous, purple-black, corrosive, poisonous halogen occurring as a diatomic molecule, I2, that easily sublimes to give a purple gas and is a trace element essential for proper thyroid function. Radioactive isotopes, especially I-131, are used as medical tracers and in thyroid disease diagnosis and therapy. Iodine compounds are used as germicides, antiseptics, and dyes. Atomic number 53; atomic weight 126.9045; melting point 113.7°C; boiling point 184.4°C; density of gas 11.27 grams per liter; specific gravity (solid, at 20°C) 4.93; valence 1, 3, 5, 7. See Periodic Table.

Univalent anionic iodine, or a compound of iodine, especially a binary compound of iodine with a more electropositive element.

An antiseptic preparation containing iodine in solution, used to treat wounds.

(inorganic chemistry) A binary compound of iodine and another element or radical.

A chemical element (symbol: I) with an atomic number of 53; one of the halogens.

A binary compound of iodine, or one which may be regarded as binary, in which iodine has a valence of -1; as, potassium iodide.

An antiseptic incorporating the element.

A salt or ester of hydriodic acid

An iodide.

(transitive) to treat with iodine.

A nonmetallic element, of the halogen group of atomic number 53, occurring always in combination, as in the iodides. When isolated it is in the form of dark gray metallic scales, resembling plumbago, soft but brittle, and emitting a chlorinelike odor. Symbol I. Atomic weight 126.90. If heated, iodine volatilizes in beautiful violet vapors.

A nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)

A tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic

Iodine is a chemical element, essential for thyroid function and known for its antiseptic properties.

Iodide is the ionized form of iodine, carrying a negative charge and used by the thyroid gland.

Iodine is less soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, while iodide forms highly soluble salts.

Iodide salts are used in nutritional supplements, radiography, and as a fortification in iodized salt.

The body primarily uses the iodide form for thyroid function, though iodine can be metabolized to iodide.

Iodine, in the form of iodide, is added to salt to prevent iodine deficiency in the diet.

Their applications differ; iodine is used topically as an antiseptic, while iodide has specific uses in nutrition and radiography.

Iodine is used as an antiseptic, in disinfectants, and is crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis.

Iodine is naturally present in soils and seawater, while iodide is commonly found in dietary sources, especially iodized salt.

Excessive intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction, underscoring the need for balanced consumption.

No, iodide is also naturally present in fish, dairy products, and some grains.

Iodine is converted to iodide in the body, which is then used by the thyroid gland.

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.

Iodide is the form the thyroid gland uses to produce vital hormones.

Iodine is crucial for healthy thyroid function, impacting metabolism, growth, and development.