Iodine (I)
"The Violet Vigilante, Iodine ensures your thyroid gland, the body's energy controller, operates perfectly, silently protecting you from within."
A memorable persona to anchor I in your mind.
4.933
Grams per cm³
113.7
Celsius (°C)
198
Radius (pm)
Daily Life Link
The essential additive in your table salt, keeping your body's engine humming.
Discovery & History
Year Discovered
1811
Discovered By
Bernard Courtois
Origin of Name
"The name is derived from the Greek ''iodes'' meaning violet."
Technical Properties
Atomic Mass
126.904 u
Standard State
solid
Boiling Point
184.4°C
Electron Configuration
[Kr] 4d105s25p5
1st Ionization Energy
10.451 eV
Electron Affinity
N/A
Oxidation States
"A mysterious, dark purplish-black solid crystal that vaporizes into a vibrant purple gas."
Did You Know?
Iodine gets its name from the Greek word "iodes," meaning violet, because when it heats up, it turns into a stunning purple gas! No melting, just straight to gas.
Iodine is one of the few elements that can "sublime" at room temperature – meaning it goes directly from a solid to a gas without ever becoming a liquid. How cool is that?
This tiny element is absolutely critical for your thyroid gland. Your thyroid uses iodine to make hormones that control your metabolism, energy levels, and even brain development!
Not enough iodine in your diet? Your thyroid gland can swell up, leading to a condition called goiter. That's why many countries add iodine to table salt – to keep everyone healthy!