It is both a source of iodide and a mild reducing agent. It is used as a component in the electrolyte of dye sensitized solar cells. In the field of synthetic organic chemistry, it is used in the preparation of alkyl or aryl iodo compounds. It is employed as a nucleophilic catalyst in the alkylations with alkyl bromide, chloride, tosylate and mesylate. In the presence of acid it forms hydroiodic acid, which is a strong reducing agent. It is useful in producing Lugol’s solution (or Lugol’s iodne) which finds many applications including starch testing, gram stains, and etching of gold surfaces.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.