A chemistry class is experimenting with iodine to see which common white powder items will react and make the iodine change color. Which item listed will have a chemical reaction with iodine?

Question

a. cornstarch
b. baking soda
c. salt
d. powdered sugar

Answer 1

The item from the list that will have a chemical reaction with iodine is a. cornstarch.

When iodine comes into contact with cornstarch, it forms a blue-black complex due to the formation of iodine-starch complex, which is a characteristic reaction used to indicate the presence of starch. The other items listed (baking soda, salt, and powdered sugar) do not produce a color change upon reacting with iodine in the same manner.