What Is the Crystal Structure of Iodine?

Molecular model

Iodine is a chemical element that is commonly used as an antiseptic. In the body, iodine is required in trace amounts to create thyroid hormones which are important for metabolism.

General Properties

Iodine is a halogen. It contains 53 protons and electrons and 74 neutrons.

Crystal Structure

The crystal structure of iodine is orthorhombic. In an orthorhombic structure, the length, width and height are not equal.

Orthorhombic Structure

An example of an orthorhombic structure would be a paper lunch bag. The bottom of the bag is rectangular and the height of the bag is not equal to the width or length of the bottom.

Symmetry

There is symmetry in the iodine crystal between the rows and columns of the structure.

Space

In solid iodine, there is not any space between the components of the crystal.

References

• Cary Academy
• Environmental Chemistry