Potassium iodide

Potassium iodide (KI) is an ionic compound made of potassium ions and iodide ions. It is used as a dietary iodine source, in radiation emergencies, and in chemical and pharmaceutical applications.

Radiation emergency: An event involving hazardous exposure to ionizing radiation that requires urgent protective measures. KI can limit thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine when taken at the right time.
Ionic bonding: Chemical bonding caused by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. The attraction between K⁺ and I⁻ forms the solid compound.
Potassium: A soft, highly reactive alkali metal with atomic number 19. Potassium supplies the cation in KI and gives the compound its name.
Potassium iodate: An ionic compound of potassium and iodate, with formula KIO₃, used in salt iodization and radiation protection. It is an alternative stable-iodine compound, with different dosing and formulation properties.
Iodine deficiency: A lack of sufficient iodine for normal thyroid hormone production. KI supplies iodine used to prevent or correct dietary deficiency.
Potassium ion: The positively charged ion K⁺ formed when a potassium atom loses one electron. It balances iodide's negative charge in potassium iodide.
Iodine: A halogen element with atomic number 53 that is essential in small amounts for thyroid hormone production. Iodine is the element whose anion forms KI and supports thyroid function.
Sodium iodide: An ionic compound of sodium and iodide, with formula NaI. It delivers iodide like KI but uses sodium as its counterion.
Iodized salt: Table salt fortified with iodine compounds to reduce iodine deficiency. It is a common population-level alternative to potassium iodide tablets.
Iodide: The negatively charged ion I⁻, formed when an iodine atom gains one electron. Iodide is KI's reactive component and the form used by the thyroid.

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