The Colors of Iodine

Updated December 2, 2022

The Colors of Iodine

Iodine Program

Iodine can generate several colors

First, it can be clear, in the iodide form, when bound to certain molecules, such as ascorbate in an acidic medium.

Second, it can be yellow brown, when in the I3- form, in water (such as Lugols) or alcohol (Tincture)

Third, it can be purple or blue-black, when interacting with starches (I5!, a combo of I2 and I-,  a way of testing for oxidation).  The vapor phase of iodine is also purple. In the presence of amylose, it becomes blue-black; With amylopectin it becomes a pale purple-red.

Fourth, it can be pink, when complexed with H2O2 and other agents.

Fifth, it can produce red, as in the coloring Red #3, which contains iodine (yet toxic due to its chemical structure).


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