Iodophores

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Iodophores (from the Greek phorós = bearing) are stable inclusion compounds that are formed from macromolecules with elemental iodine .

The carrier materials used are polycarboxylic acids , surfactants or polymers that contain 0.5-3% complexed iodine . Since the iodine is more firmly bound in contrast to iodine tinctures , iodophores are characterized by the fact that they do not color the skin, have a weaker iodine odor and are less corrosive and toxic . Iodophores are used in disinfectants , antiseptics and fungicides .

Examples of iodophores are:

  • The polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (known as "PVP" or "povidone") binds iodine very strongly. The 10% iodine-containing complex povidone or PVP-iodine is very easily soluble in water, while elemental iodine is water-insoluble. Compared to traditional tincture of iodine, PVP-iodine has established itself in medical wound treatment.
  • The polysaccharide starch also binds iodine very strongly. However, a complex of this bond contains only traces of iodine and dissolves in water with a characteristic blue color, which is used for the iodine-starch detection reaction.
  • Recently a complex of methyl cellulose and iodoform was discovered. The approximately 5% iodoform-containing complex is moderately water-soluble, while iodoform is water-insoluble.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Entry on Iodophore. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on June 12, 2012.