Iodoform was used earlier as an antiseptic. To what are its antiseptic properties due?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → The liberation of free iodine
Iodoform, CHI3 (triiodomethane), was once used as an antiseptic. The antiseptic action comes from the free iodine it liberates, not from iodoform itself. Because of its objectionable smell, it has been replaced by other formulations that contain iodine.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
6.8.3 Triiodomethane (Iodoform) – “It was used earlier as an antiseptic but the antiseptic properties are due to the liberation of free iodine and not due to iodoform itself. Due to its objectionable smell, it has been replaced by other formulations containing iodine.”