Definition of povidone iodine

Povidone-iodine is a loose complex formed by the combination of elemental iodine and a polymer carrier. Povidone acts as a carrier and solubilizing agent. It is yellow-brown to brown-red amorphous powder at room temperature. Slightly odor, easily soluble in water or ethanol, the aqueous solution is acidic, insoluble in ether, chloroform, acetone, ethane and carbon tetrachloride. Povidone-iodine aqueous solution has no shortcomings of iodine tincture, light coloring, easy to wash out, little irritation to mucous membranes, no need for alcohol deiodination, no corrosion, and low toxicity.