Iodine has many commercial uses. Iodide salts are used in pharmaceuticals (Ephedrine iodide and compound (1940)), disinfectants (Disinfectant formulation, useful for extemporaneous preparations to care the teat, comprises iodinated polyvinylpyrrolidone/potassium iodide combination as active principle, in divided solid form (2007)), printing inks (Ink-Jet Printing Ink Containing Iodine And Potassium Iodide (1984)), dyes (Crystalline bromide or iodide salts of triazole dyes for polyacrylonitrile (1982)), catalysts (Conversion of hydrocarbons using ammonium iodide catalyst (1951)), animal feed supplements (Solid alkali iodide compositions and process for producing the same (1964)), and photographic chemicals (Potassium iodide composition of matter for photographic processes (1924)).
Iodine is also used to make polarising filters, such as may be used in LCD displays: Process for polarizing ultraviolet light utilizing oriented, iodide stained film (1966).
The radioactive isotope iodine-131 is sometimes used to treat cancerous thyroid glands: Determination of iodinated thyroglobulin, useful for detecting residual thyroid cancer or metastases after surgery, comprises immunoassay after administration of 131-iodine (2001).
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All patent information has been obtained from Espacenet (European Patent Office).