Thursday, December 27, 2018

By Thomas Roberts


The scientific inquiry resulted in the discovery of an unknown element which manifested itself only when combined with other substances. This was iodine. This reaffirms the creativity, and innovativeness of humans which no other animal possesses. Scientific inquiry oftentimes triggers advances in technology, sometimes on purpose and sometimes by accident. This has led to the development of iodine derivatives.

It was identified as a new element in eighteen eleven and many experiments were conducted on its preparation, properties, derivatives, and application. Mixed with potassium, it became effective in treating some physical disorders, particularly goiter. This substance had also very excellent antiseptic qualities when dissolved in alcohol. Besides its medical application, it was also used in photography.

At present this is being utilized in many fields of human activity, especially in chemical and industrial sectors. It certainly is an active ingredient in animal feed, medicines, fuel oil, and sanitizers. Its first practical application in industry was in professional photography. Silver plates used in photography were treated with its vapors.

This element together with its compounds is very excellent catalysts for many chemical reactions. Its contribution in the field of medicine and pharmaceuticals cannot be downplayed. Pharmaceutical companies produce antiseptics using this as an ingredient. It is also very effective in controlling and curing goiter, prophylaxis and other diseases. Food processing plants also use this as disinfectants.

As a pest control catalyst, it excels in the substance called methyl iodide. This was experimented on by the department of agriculture which found out its outstanding effectiveness against one species of nematodes, four species of fungi, and seven species of weeds. Its footprint on the ozone layer is very minimal compared to the other chemicals used in pest control.

Today most table salts have additives to counter the effects of the decreasing amount of this element in food products. The decrease is attributed to the loss of this substance from the soil as it dissipates in air. It is returned to earth as rain but only in very negligible amount. As a result, the soil actually loses its fertility with each passing year.

The thyroid gland in humans produces hormone thyroxin through the synthesis of which iodine is a catalyst. The lack of this substance in early childhood can cause physical and mental development impairment. This can lead to myxedema and goiter and the simpler enlargement of the thyroid gland. This disease was known to be cured by burnt seaweed in earlier times and seaweed contain lots of iodine.

Almost all natural materials contain traces of iodine. The oceans, animals, plants, rocks, soil, and other living things have this. The only problem is that it cannot be identified by itself like other elements. It is always hidden. It only comes out when a certain process is applied to it, mostly in combination with other elements. The traces are also very minute. Only the ocean life forms contain plenty of these.

Production of this is through deep saline or bromide wells. The biggest producers are Chile and Japan. Chile has the largest deposits found in one of its northern territories. These deposits are referred to as sodium nitrate or caliches. The deposits are very unique in that it contains many types of unusual salts which are termed as Chilean saltpeter.




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