Iodine Number determination

Determination of Iodine Count
Determination of Iodine Count

The iodine number is a parameter that gives an idea about the degree of saturation and unsaturation of fat, and 100 indicates the amount of iodine the gram can bind to. More precisely, the iodine index is an indicator of the unsaturation property of the oil. Based on the number of iodine, the fats can be divided into three groups:

  • The number of iodine in the non-drying oils class is below 90. These oils do not form a film.
  • The iodine number in the low-drying oils class is between 90 and 130. These oils form a film layer which is not apparent.
  • The number of iodine in the class of drying oils exceeds 130. These oils form a very distinct film layer.

The number of iodine in vegetable oils is variable. It differs depending on the region where the plant grows, climatic conditions and seed maturity. However, in general, the higher the iodine index, the higher the drying properties of the oil. Drying status is related to oil's ability to hold oxygen. Oils with an iodine index of 160 dry out, but fats with an iodine index below 100 do not dry out. The drying index is often used for the drying properties of fatty acids or oils. Oils with a drying index higher than 70 dry out.

Briefly, the iodine number gives the weight of the iodine that 100 grams of oil can bind under specified conditions. The iodine number indicates the degree of unsaturation and drying of the oil, as well as the hydrogenation of the oil and whether or not other types of oil are added to the oil.

In the authorized laboratories, iodine number analyzes in oils are carried out within the scope of chemical tests. In these studies, the standards published by local and foreign organizations and the test methods accepted worldwide are complied with. A few standards based on iodine number determination are:

  • TS EN ISO 3961 Animal and vegetable fats and oils - Determination of iodine number
  • TS EN 14111 Animal and vegetable fat derivatives - Fatty acid methyl esters (yame) - Determination of iodine number