Question

A purpled coloured non-metal forms a brown solution in alcohol which is applied on wounds as antiseptic. Which non-metal is this?
A) Sulphur
B) Chlorine
C) Oxygen
D) Iodine

Answer 1

To solve this question, we must first know that which non-metal forms a brown solution with alcohol and which itself is of purple colour, and which also acts as antiseptic. And then only we can conclude the correct answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of this given question, let us first understand some basic concepts:
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Antiseptics are generally distinguished from antibiotics by the latter's ability to safely destroy bacteria within the body, and from disinfectants, which destroy microorganisms found on non-living objects.
Step 1: Here we have Sulphur:When we heat ethanol with concentrated Sulphuric acid at a very high temperature, we get ethane and a molecule of water. Reaction is as follows:
${C_2}{H_5}OH\,\, + \,\,{H_2}S{O_4}\,\, \to \,\,C{H_2} = \,C{H_2}\,\, + \,\,{H_2}O$
And we know that ethane is not used as an antiseptic. Therefore it is an incorrect option.
Step 2: Now, let’s move toward Chlorine:When we add chlorine to ethyl alcohol in presence of potassium hydroxide, we get chloroform and we know that chloroform is not antiseptic. Reaction is as follows:
$C{l_2}\,\, + \,\,C{H_3}C{H_2}OH\,\, \to C{H_3}CHO\,\, + \,2HCl\,\,$
$CC{l_3}CHO\,\, + \,\,KOH\,\,\xrightarrow{{Hydrolysis}}\,\,CHC{l_3}\,\, + \,\,HCOOK$
So this is also incorrect.
Step 3: We have Oxygen:When Oxygen reacts with alcohols which is known as Oxidation of Alcohols, this results in ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids. And we know very well that none of them are used as an antiseptic. Therefore this would be an incorrect choice.
Step 4: We have Iodine which when we dissolve $2 - 7\%$ elemental iodine with potassium or sodium iodide in a mixture of iodine and water, we get a brown solution which is characterised by the presence of alcohol and can be applied on wounds as antiseptic. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
So, clearly we can conclude that the correct answer is Option D.

Note: Povidone is found in both medical and household items and can cause mild symptoms with large ingestions. Povidone-iodine is a common antiseptic used to disinfect the skin, eyes, and vagina. When used correctly, povidone-iodine might cause mild side effects, but it can cause major problems when used incorrectly.