Tincture of iodine is an antiseptic for fresh wounds. It is a dilute solution of elemental iodine, which does not contain

Tincture of iodine is a common antiseptic used for treating minor wounds and abrasions. It is a dilute solution primarily composed of elemental iodine and potassium iodide dissolved in a solvent mixture of alcohol (ethanol) and water [1]. Ethanol is specifically utilized in medicinal preparations like tincture of iodine because it is an effective solvent [1]. Since elemental iodine is only sparingly soluble in water, potassium iodide is added to facilitate its dissolution through the formation of triiodide ions. While alcohol and water are standard components of the tincture, and potassium iodide is necessary for solubility, acetone is not a constituent of this formulation. Acetone is a different organic solvent typically used in nail polish removers or industrial applications, but it is not part of the standard pharmacopoeia for iodine tincture [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.4.1 Properties of Ethanol > p. 72