Iodine is in the fifth period and seventeenth group in the periodic table of elements. It is a deep purple, volatile solid with a melting point of 114 degrees Celsius. It can appear to sublimate and not have a melting point at all, but in reality, it does. Iodine typically forms up to one bond. It was discovered in 1811 by Bernard Courtois.

The most preeminent use of Iodine is in iodized salt. This is because Iodine is an essential micro nutrient that many who live inland may lack. Along with that, it is often used in Iodine-Povidone as a disinfectant.