For a topical antiseptic the iodine group is excellent in that they kill spores and cysts as well as bacteria. However, common iodine solution is hard on healing tissues, and in large wounds can be absorbed into the body. Also it hurts like hell sometimes! Iodine was isolated in 1812 by Courtois (he manufactured saltpeter); and established as an element by Gay-Lussac 2 years later. Iodine is blue/black shiny crystal that dissolves easily in alcohol, chloroform and several other organic solvents; but is only slightly water soluble.
A better form commonly known as betadine consists of 10% povidone-iodine (1% available iodine). Betadine is very effective with little sting or clothing stains. Note: DO NOT use Betadine to purify drinking water! This solution is a Third World medical essential, ranking along with household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite sol.) and washing soda (sodium carbonate). Astonishing results have been achieved with Sugardine; a thick gritty paste of Betadine and white sugar. REF: "DITCH MEDICINE- Advanced Field Procedures for Emergencies" 1993 by Hugh Coffee published Paladin Press, box 1307 Boulder Colorado 80306.
IODOFORM is an even better surgical antiseptic, without the irritating effect on large wounds. It is almost insoluble in water, but easily soluble in alcohol. The crystals are exquisite light yellow rosettes of hexagon plates, melts 119 C. and decomposes before boiling. Light and air oxidize so keep in dark tight bottle. Iodoform is made by iodine/alkali acting with ethyl alcohol or acetone. Dissolve 2 parts crystal sodium carbonate (Na2CO3.10H2O form.wt. 286, equiv.wt. 143) in 10 parts water then add 1 part erthyl alcohol (C2H5OH form.wt. 46). Warm to 70 C. and slowly stir in 1 part iodine until solution becomes colorless. Cool and filter off iodoform, spray wash with water, air dry crystals.
4I2+6KOH+C2H5OH=CH13+H.CO.OK+5KI+5H2O

hey, instead of all this stupid, mcguyver riot/bondage sex repair shit why not tell us how to get some iodine out of shellfish since it's hard to buy unless you are connected. you're smart you know how to right?

Dear Sleepwalk: You have said Nobody reads my posts. That is correct but they are not for Nobody; rather they are for Somebody. That is to say bonafide Anarchists who await them.

Great post k9.

If you're too dumb to by baking soda, iodine, lye, and ever clear, then how can you be calling this info stupid? Sodium Hydroxide replace Pottassium Hydroxide (which can be found at damn near any hardware store anyways). Much easier and productive than walking along the beach. Eat the shell fish, they are not worth the effort for medical purpose iodine.

the real: i know where to get chems
iodine is only found in shellfish so wouldnt it be a good idea to have a process to remove it in bulk from scraps? it is worth is. im not asking for fuckin lye flakes. im talking about the element I2 that cannot be found anywhere else but one fuckin place. if you cant by it in bulk without being noticed, why not produce it and sell it to people who need it in bulk for high prices?

Once the major source of Iodine was the seaweed class known as Kelp. There should be extraction methods in old chem. books. I am too busy with Summit of the Americas issue to function as human search engine. See my post on the Montreal Mobilization in Spurious Generalities

[This message has been edited by k9girrl (edited 04-06-2001).]