Ammonium iodide
Ammonium iodide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NH4I. It is used in photographic chemicals and some medications. It can be prepared by the action of hydroiodic acid on ammonia. This white crystalline salt is a significant material in the field of chemistry and has various applications in the pharmaceutical industry and in photographic processes.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Ammonium iodide is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It decomposes upon exposure to light, gradually turning yellow as it releases iodine. This property is significant in its application in photography, where it is used in the formulation of silver iodide for photographic films. The compound has a melting point of 551°C and a boiling point where it decomposes.
Synthesis[edit | edit source]
Ammonium iodide can be synthesized by directly combining aqueous solutions of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) with hydroiodic acid (HI), according to the equation:
\[ NH_4OH + HI \rightarrow NH_4I + H_2O \]
This reaction produces ammonium iodide and water. The product can be purified by recrystallization from water.
Applications[edit | edit source]
- Photography
In photography, ammonium iodide is used to prepare emulsions of silver iodide, which are sensitive to light and essential for the development of photographic films and papers.
- Medicine
Ammonium iodide has been used in some cough medicines as an expectorant, although its use is less common today due to the availability of more effective and safer alternatives.
- Chemical Synthesis
It serves as a source of iodide in organic synthesis, where it can be used to introduce iodide ions into reactions, facilitating various chemical transformations.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Ammonium iodide should be handled with care, as it is harmful if swallowed and causes irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Appropriate safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment, should be taken when handling this chemical.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
