Agricultural ChemicalsIn Stock

Potassium Iodide

Name: Zenco Systems Ltd - Chemical Division
Address: Industrial Area, Enterprise Road, KCB Building, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254114591982
Price range: KES

Potassium Iodide is a vital chemical used in pharmaceuticals and nutrition, supplied across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Potassium Iodide is primarily valued for its role as a reliable source of iodine, crucial in preventing iodine deficiency and supporting thyroid function.

WhatsApp Request Quote Contact Sales

+254114591982 Email Sales

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg bags

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Potassium Iodide?

Potassium Iodide is primarily valued for its role as a reliable source of iodine, crucial in preventing iodine deficiency and supporting thyroid function. Its unique ability to release iodide ions readily when dissolved in water makes it indispensable across different sectors. From pharmaceutical formulations that treat iodine deficiency disorders to radiation protection in medical and emergency settings, its functionality extends beyond simple supplementation.

This inorganic salt, known chemically as KI, exists as a white crystalline powder highly soluble in water, which facilitates its inclusion in various industrial and health-related applications. In East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Potassium Iodide plays a critical role in nutritional products and radiation safety protocols, reflecting both its medical and industrial importance.

Zenco Systems Ltd provides a steady supply of Potassium Iodide to these regional markets, ensuring that industries reliant on precise, stable iodine sources have access to consistent quality. Whether incorporated into dietary supplements or utilized in agricultural chemical formulations, its availability supports diverse operational needs with reliability and expert support.

Potassium Iodide: Detailed Product Overview

Potassium Iodide is a simple ionic compound composed of potassium cations (K⁺) and iodide anions (I⁻), with the chemical formula KI and the CAS number 7681-11-0. It appears as a white crystalline solid that readily dissolves in water, releasing iodide ions which serve as the active species in its primary applications. Its excellent solubility allows rapid bioavailability in pharmaceutical use and straightforward integration into aqueous systems for industrial processes.

Mechanistically, iodide ions supplied by Potassium Iodide act as an essential micronutrient by facilitating the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and growth. Its role in radiation protection is based on saturating the thyroid gland with stable iodine, preventing uptake of radioactive isotopes such as I-131 during nuclear events. This prophylactic effect is highly time-sensitive, requiring prompt administration, a practice established through clinical and emergency response protocols.

The compound’s stability under typical storage conditions makes it suitable for transportation and long-term use in tropical climates common to East Africa. Its non-volatile nature and relatively low toxicity compared to iodine make handling and formulation safer when proper precautions are observed. Chemical purity levels directly influence performance; therefore, buyers often specify pharmaceutical or technical grades to meet regulatory and functional requirements.

Potassium Iodide is sourced through controlled crystallization processes from potassium hydroxide and iodine. Quality control focuses on moisture content, heavy metal impurities, and particle size distribution, all factors that affect solubility and bioavailability. Zenco Systems Ltd ensures that supplied batches comply with standards appropriate for applications spanning pharmaceuticals, nutrition, radiation safety, and related agricultural chemicals. Through effective supply chain management in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the company supports industries demanding consistent, high-quality KI for their operational needs.

Applications and Uses of Potassium Iodide

Pharmaceutical Iodine Supplementation

Potassium Iodide serves as an essential iodine source in formulations addressing iodine deficiency disorders, particularly hypothyroidism and goiter prevention. Typical pharmaceutical usage involves carefully controlled dosing to meet daily recommended intakes, stabilizing thyroid hormone production. In Kenya and surrounding regions, where iodine deficiency remains a public health concern, KI’s inclusion in supplements directly targets nutritional gaps, supporting governmental and NGO-driven health programs.

Nutritional Dietary Supplements

In dietary supplements, Potassium Iodide is utilized for iodine fortification of multivitamins and mineral complexes. Its high purity and aqueous solubility ensure accurate dosing and incorporation into tablets, capsules, or liquid formulations. This application is critical in East African markets where dietary iodine intake varies and supplementation supports general population health beyond clinical deficiency cases.

Water Treatment

Potassium Iodide is applied in water treatment processes as a source of iodine that can aid in microbial control and disinfection validation. Though less common than chlorine-based agents, its oxidative properties improve test sensitivity and detectability of waterborne pathogens. In agricultural and industrial water systems across Kenya and Tanzania, KI assists in quality assurance protocols, enhancing the safety of irrigation and processing water.

Photography Chemicals

Historically, Potassium Iodide acted as a component in photographic emulsion preparations and as a sensitizing agent in film development. While digital methods dominate today, certain niche photographic processes in art and archival restoration still require KI’s ionic characteristics to form silver iodide crystals essential for image capture.

Radiation Protective Agents

Potassium Iodide is a frontline agent in radiation protection, administered as a tablet or solution to saturate the thyroid gland before or after radiation exposure, notably from radioactive iodine isotopes. This function prevents uptake of harmful radioisotopes, reducing thyroid cancer risk in nuclear emergency scenarios. Its provision across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania is increasingly relevant where emergency preparedness incorporates iodine prophylaxis plans.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Agricultural Chemicals range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Reliable Source of Bioavailable Iodine

Potassium Iodide provides highly soluble iodide ions that the body readily absorbs, making it an effective dietary iodine source. This bioavailability underpins its utility in supplements and pharmaceuticals aiming to correct iodine deficiency rapidly and safely, directly impacting thyroid health.

Versatile Multi-Industry Application

Its chemical stability and water solubility allow Potassium Iodide to be applied across diverse industries—from nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals to agricultural chemical formulations and radiation protection—offering a single chemical solution for varied iodine requirements.

Safety and Handling Advantages

Compared with elemental iodine, Potassium Iodide poses lower volatility and reduced risk of irritating fumes. This property facilitates safer handling and storage, especially in the humid East African climate, minimizing losses and improving user safety during transport and application.

Supports Regional Health Initiatives

Its critical role in iodine supplementation aligns with regional public health goals to combat iodine deficiency disorders prevalent in Kenya and neighboring countries. Reliable supply chains provided by Zenco Systems Ltd help maintain continuous availability crucial for sustained health program success.

Packaging Information

Potassium Iodide is supplied in 25kg and 50kg bags suitable for industrial and commercial users. These bag sizes balance ease of handling with minimizing the risk of contamination over time. For customers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Zenco Systems Ltd offers consolidated logistics support, ensuring product integrity throughout cross-border transport. Bulk packaging options and tailored deliveries can be arranged on request, facilitating large-scale applications with consistent supply continuity.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags

Storage and Handling

Store Potassium Iodide in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas away from moisture and strong oxidizers to maintain chemical stability. Packaging should be kept tightly sealed to prevent absorption of humidity which can degrade the compound. Shelf life under proper conditions typically extends up to two years. Handling requires standard protective equipment such as gloves and masks to avoid direct skin or respiratory exposure, as the powder may be mildly irritant. Segregate from incompatible substances like strong acids and oxidizing agents to avoid hazardous reactions.

Safety Information

Potassium Iodide is generally low in toxicity but may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract upon prolonged exposure. Use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks during handling to minimize contact. In case of skin contact, wash with plenty of water. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Dispose of according to national hazardous waste regulations to prevent environmental contamination. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive guidance.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

Density3.13 g/cm³ (solid)

FormulaKI

Packaging25kg bags, 50kg bags

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number7681-11-0

SolubilityHighly soluble in water

Chemical NamePotassium Iodide

pH (1% solution)7 - 9 (approximate)

Storage ConditionsCool, dry, well-ventilated area

Applications

Pharmaceutical iodine supplementation
Nutritional dietary supplements
Water treatment
Photography chemicals
Radiation protective agents

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

Density3.13 g/cm³ (solid)

FormulaKI

Packaging25kg bags, 50kg bags

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number7681-11-0

SolubilityHighly soluble in water

Chemical NamePotassium Iodide

pH (1% solution)7 - 9 (approximate)

Storage ConditionsCool, dry, well-ventilated area

Product Features

- Highly soluble white crystalline powder
- Stable under typical storage conditions
- Provides readily bioavailable iodide ions
- Low volatility and mild toxicity
- Essential for thyroid hormone synthesis
- Effective radiation thyroid blocker

Industries Served

- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Nutritional supplement producers
- Water treatment facilities
- Photography and imaging
- Radiation emergency preparedness
- Agricultural chemical production

Product Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions About Potassium Iodide

What is Potassium Iodide used for?

Potassium Iodide is used primarily as a source of iodine in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, water treatment, photography chemicals, and as a radiation protective agent.

Is Potassium Iodide supplied outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Potassium Iodide across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries, supporting regional industrial and health sectors.

What packaging options are available for Potassium Iodide?

It is available in 25kg and 50kg bags. Larger quantities or customized packing can be arranged to meet specific commercial needs.

How should Potassium Iodide be stored?

Store it in cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions, tightly sealed away from moisture and incompatible chemicals to preserve quality and extend shelf life.

What grade and purity can I expect from your Potassium Iodide supply?

Potassium Iodide’s grade and purity depend on customer requirements; please confirm specifications at the time of ordering for detailed certificates.

Is Potassium Iodide safe to handle?

When handled with appropriate protective equipment like gloves and masks, and stored properly, Potassium Iodide poses low risk. Refer to the SDS for full safety guidelines.

How is Potassium Iodide used in radiation protection?

KI saturates the thyroid gland with stable iodine to block uptake of radioactive iodine isotopes, reducing thyroid cancer risk after exposure.

Can Potassium Iodide be used in dietary supplements directly?

Yes, due to its solubility and bioavailability, it is commonly formulated into iodine supplements and multivitamins to address micronutrient deficiencies.