Abstract

Sodium iodide, its occurrence, physical properties, manufacture, economic aspects, and uses are described. It is produced by acid–base reaction yielding no by-products and is stored on the basic side to retard oxidation.

This important halide salt is used in medicine as a detector for such devices as computer-assisted tomography scans and positron emission tomography. It tends to form the dihydrate at temperatures below 65°C and is deliquescent, which makes it much different in handling characteristics from its potassium counterpart.