Homemade Iodine Solution

Iodine is a solution used to treat thyroid conditions and prepare the thyroid gland for surgical removal. It is generally used in a hospital setting or as directed by a doctor. If you are trying to make your own iodine, you can do so with the help of a few basic element. Do not attempt to take it orally, however, unless instructed to do so by a certified medical professional.

Things You'll Need

• Potassium iodide
• Sulfuric acid
• Glass beaker
• Cup of ice water
• Water
• Paper towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour about half a cup of concentrated potassium iodide into a glass beaker.

• 2

  Slowly add sulfuric acid into the beaker. The mixture will turn brown, steam and get very hot.

• 3

  Swish the mixture around to incorporate the sulfuric acid into the potassium iodide.

• 4

  Add more sulfuric acid until you have equal amounts of sulfuric acid and potassium iodide. Mix again by gently shaking the beaker.

• 5

  Place beaker in a glass cup full of ice water to keep the mixture from getting overheated.

• 6

  Remove the beaker and swish. The homemade iodine will be in the form of little brown crystals at the bottom of the beaker.

• 7

  Pour water into the beaker to wash off the sulfuric acid from the iodine.

• 8

  Pour water out carefully so the crystals stay in the bottom of the beaker and wash them off again.

• 9

  Repeat several times to fully wash off the sulfuric acid. Pour off water.

• 10

  Pour crystals onto a paper towel to dry and leave them there overnight.