Table of Contents
Practical Significance
Aqueous Iodine solution (Lugol’s solution) is used as a source of iodine in hyperthyroidism and helps to prepare the thyroid gland for surgery. Through this experiment, the students will be able to learn about the composition, preparation through complexation, evaluation, storage, use, direction and labelling requirements of Aqueous iodine solution I.P.
Relevant Theoretical Background
Aqueous iodine solution I.P. can be used along with antithyroid medications for the patients suffering with Graves’ disease. Iodide has been shown to lower thyroid hormone levels and reduce blood supply within the thyroid gland. Iodine can also be used to sterilize wounds as it kills bacteria which cause infections. Lack of iodine causes the thyroid gland to enlarge leading to conditions like cretinism, hypothyroidism, and goitre.
Aqueous iodine solution contains 5% w/v of iodine and 10% w/v of potassium iodide. Iodine is practically insoluble in water. Thus, potassium iodide is used which acts as a solubilizing agent and increases its solubility. Potassium iodide reacts with iodine and forms soluble complexes known as polyiodide complexes like KI. I2, KI.212, K1.312, Kl.nl2, that are soluble in water.
Requirements
a. Apparatus: Conical flask (150 ml), glass beaker (200 ml), glass rod, glass volumetric cylinder (100 ml), spatula, glass mortar and pestle.
b. Equipment: Calibrated weighing balance.
c. Chemicals: Iodine, potassium iodide.
Factor Calculation
Factor = Required Quantity/ Given Quantity
Formulation Table

Procedure
a. Weigh accurately the required quantity of iodine and potassium iodide and triturate in a glass mortar to make a fine powder.
b. Add the required quantity of purified water to it and stir it continuously until iodine is completely dissolved.
c. Adjust the final volume with the remaining quantity of purified water.
d. Evaluate formulation as per evaluation parameters and note the observations.
e. Transfer into the container, attach a prepared label and submit.
Use of Preparation
As a source of iodine in hyperthyroidism.
Direction
As directed by the physician
Storage
Store in a well closed light and iodine resistant container in a cool place.
Dose
0.3 to 1 ml
Result
__ml of Aqueous Iodine solution IP is prepared, evaluated and submitted in a ___________ container with special instructions as________________________________.
Virtual Interactive Simulation
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FAQ’s
Define solutions.
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, the substance present in the larger amount is called the solvent, while the substance dissolved in it is called the solute. Solutions can exist in various phases: solid, liquid, or gas.
How is the solubility of iodine enhanced in aqueous iodine solution?
The solubility of iodine in water is typically low due to its non-polar nature. However, the solubility is enhanced when potassium iodide (KI) is added to the solution. Iodine reacts with iodide ions (I⁻) from KI to form triiodide ions (I₃⁻), which are more soluble in water. This is the basis for the formation of a more concentrated aqueous iodine solution.
Why are glass mortar and pestle used for trituration of iodine and potassium iodide?
Glass mortar and pestle are used for trituration (grinding) of iodine and potassium iodide because glass is chemically inert and does not react with iodine or potassium iodide. This ensures that the substances are ground into a fine powder without contamination or chemical alteration.
Which diseases are caused by deficiency of iodine?
Iodine deficiency can lead to several health problems, including:
Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland due to insufficient iodine.
Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.
Cretinism: A severe form of iodine deficiency in infants, causing stunted growth and intellectual disability.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs): These include various physical and mental health problems caused by insufficient iodine intake, particularly affecting children and pregnant women.
Classify solutions based on the method of preparation.
Solutions can be classified based on the method of preparation into the following types:
Simple Solution: Prepared by dissolving the solute directly in the solvent with simple mixing (e.g., salt in water).
Saturated Solution: Prepared by dissolving the maximum amount of solute in a solvent at a given temperature, beyond which no more solute can dissolve.
Supersaturated Solution: Prepared by increasing the solubility of the solute through heating and then slowly cooling it, allowing more solute than usual to remain dissolved.
Dilute Solution: Prepared by reducing the concentration of the solute in the solvent.
Concentrated Solution: Prepared by increasing the concentration of the solute in the solvent without reaching saturation.