Consider the following statements about Tincture of Iodine : 1. It is an antiseptic solution. 2. lodine is kept in alcohol-water mixture. 3. Concentration of iodine is very low. How many of the above statements is/are correct?

Tincture of iodine is a well-known antiseptic solution used to disinfect wounds and prepare skin for surgery [3]. It is chemically composed of elemental iodine (typically 2% to 7%) and potassium or sodium iodide dissolved in a mixture of ethanol (alcohol) and water [3]. Statement 1 is correct as it is a primary antiseptic agent [3]. Statement 2 is correct because ethanol acts as a solvent, and the solution is characterized by this alcohol-water mixture [3]. Statement 3 is also correct; while the total iodine content is a few percent, the concentration of 'free' active iodine in such medicinal preparations is kept relatively low to minimize tissue irritation, toxicity, and staining while maintaining germicidal efficacy [2]. Standard formulations like 2% tincture are considered low-concentration medicinal solutions compared to pure elemental forms.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.4.1 Properties of Ethanol > p. 72
2. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture_of_iodine
3. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0099542808607595