[On the usability of N-iodo compounds as disinfectants (author's transl)]

The usability of N-iodo compounds for disinfecting purposes has been investigated with the help of the equilibrium concentrations in aqueous solution, which have been calculated both with and without regard of the iodate formation, and the rate of iodate formation, which has been deduced from the latter. The following conclusions can be drawn: Fresh and diluted aqueous solutions of N-iodo compounds exhibit HOJ-concentrations corresponding with the sum HOJ + J2 ( = "free halogene") in pure iodine solutions, which let expect a similar bactericidal behaviour of this class of compounds. Compared with iodine solutions, however, a higher rate of iodate formation and therefore a less stability of these solutions can be established, which is caused by the throughout higher HOJ-concentration. Observing certain conditions (pH less than 7; C less than 10(-5) M/l) and unless a not to long interacting time is required the stability should be sufficient for disinfecting purposes. Of particular interest is the possibility to investigate, virtually in absence of molecular iodine, the bactericidal action of the HOJ. A common use in practice will depend on the costs, which, as far as the purchasable N-iodo-succinimide is concerned, are very high, hence it should not come at present into consideration as an alternative of the much more inexpensive elemental iodine.