A Note on the Cistern 2 Ampule Analysis

by Dr. Wendy Cory

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

College of Charleston

The ampule was analyzed using Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy in the lab of Dr. Mike Angel at USC. The data indicated that the ampule contained an aqueous solution of iodine. Because iodine is insoluble in water, the solution must also contain the iodide ion, which combines with elemental iodine to form the triiodide ion. Iodine is an effective oxidizer, making it a good antimicrobial agent. This type of solution is known to have been used to disinfect water for drinking.