potassium iodide

Potassium iodide (KI) is a crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. It is used medically to treat hyperthyroidism and to prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. It also acts as an expectorant.1

Potassium itself is an alkali metal, essential for plant and animal life. It is the seventh most abundant element in Earth's crust. Potassium compounds, often referred to as potash, are primarily used as fertilizers. Reaction of iodine with potassium hydroxide produces potassium iodide, which is added to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine is a chemical element and a member of the halogen group, essential for human health as it is a component of the hormone thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland.23