Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I) | CAS 25655-41-8 | Antiseptic

Product Name: Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I)
CAS No.: 25655-41-8
Appearance: Yellow-brown to reddish-brown amorphous powder or dark brown solutions
Solubility: Freely soluble in water and ethanol; practically insoluble in chloroform and ether
Stability: More stable than aqueous solutions of elemental iodine
Active Iodine Content: Typically 9–12%
Solution pH: Acidic

1. Introduction

Povidone-iodine is a complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with iodine, possessing a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It is used as an antiseptic for disinfection of skin and mucous membranes, wound and burn treatment. The gradual release of iodine provides a prolonged effect with less irritation.

Antiseptic agents play a key role in the prevention and treatment of infections. Povidone-iodine is one of the most widely used iodophors – complexes of iodine with high-molecular-weight carriers. Such complexation reduces the toxicity and irritant effect of elemental iodine while maintaining its high antimicrobial activity. Povidone-iodine is effective against bacteria (including mycobacteria), fungi, viruses, and protozoa.

2. Chemical Structure & Synthesis

Povidone-iodine is a complex of iodine with the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The structure of the PVP repeating unit is:

(–CH₂–CH(NC₄H₆O)–)ₙ

Iodine does not form covalent bonds with PVP but is incorporated into its helical structure and adsorbed onto the polymer surface.

Synthesis: Povidone-iodine is obtained by directly mixing an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone with elemental iodine or potassium iodide and potassium iodate in an acidic medium.

3. Mechanism of Action

The antimicrobial action is due to the slow release of elemental iodine from the complex upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. Iodine has strong oxidizing properties, interacting with microbial cell proteins (particularly amino groups of amino acids), causing their denaturation and death of the microorganism.

4. Applications

• Skin and mucous membrane disinfection (before surgical interventions, injections, punctures, catheterization)

• Wound treatment (infected wounds, burns, trophic ulcers, pressure ulcers)

• Infection prophylaxis in surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, dentistry, and ophthalmology

• Treatment of infectious skin and mucous membrane lesions (dermatitis, stomatitis, vaginitis)

• Hygienic hand disinfection of medical personnel

5. Conclusion

Povidone-iodine is an effective and relatively safe broad-spectrum antiseptic. Its ability to gradually release active iodine provides a prolonged antimicrobial effect and better tolerability compared to traditional alcohol-based iodine solutions, making it an indispensable agent in medical practice.