Question

A purple coloured non-metal forms a brown solution in alcohol which is applied on wounds as an antiseptic. Name the non-metal.

Answer 1

• The purple-colored non-metal that forms a brown solution in alcohol and is applied on wounds as an antiseptic is Iodine$\left(\mathrm{I}\right)$
• Iodine is slightly soluble in water and gives a yellowish-brown solution.
• Brown solution is formed with alcohol.
• Alcoholic solution of Iodine is used as a tincture of iodine (2-3 % solution of iodine in dilute alcohol) or as Lugol’s iodine solution as a pre and postoperative antiseptic to heal the wounds.

Antiseptics: Chemical substances that have the property of preventing the growth of infection-causing microorganisms by applying them to the skin or other tissues of our body. Example: Iodine