Iodine Number

Definition:
The iodine number (or iodine value) is the number of grams of iodine absorbed by 100 g of fat or oil.

Significance:

  • Measures the degree of unsaturation of fats and oils (higher value = more double bonds).

  • Used to distinguish between saturated and unsaturated fats.

Examples (real data):

  • Coconut oil: ~10

  • Olive oil: ~80

  • Sunflower oil: ~125

  • Linseed oil: ~175

Short Answer:

It is the grams of iodine absorbed by 100 g of fat/oil, indicating its unsaturation.
Higher iodine number means more double bonds (more unsaturated).