Which one of the following is used in the preparation of antiseptic solution ?

Iodine is a well-established chemical used in the preparation of antiseptic solutions for treating wounds and skin infections. Tincture of iodine, a common antiseptic, typically consists of 2% elemental iodine and potassium iodide dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and water [t3][t10]. Its antimicrobial efficacy stems from its high electronegativity, which allows molecular iodine to oxidize thiol groups and substitute hydrogen in biological molecules, effectively killing bacteria and fungi [t6][t7]. While older formulations like tincture of iodine were common, modern medical practice often utilizes povidone-iodine, a water-soluble complex of iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which provides a sustained release of free iodine with reduced toxicity [t2][t9]. Other options like potassium nitrate and potassium chloride are salts used in fertilizers or medical supplements but do not possess the broad-spectrum antiseptic properties characteristic of iodine [t8].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/iodine
2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture_of_iodine
3. [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18593388/