Abstract: Liquid iodophors are provided containing as surface-active agent a product of the formula RO--(C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.m --(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n --CH.sub.2 COOM, wherein RO is the residue of an alcohol of at least 8 carbon atoms or of an alkylphenol of at least 10 carbon atoms which is substantially free of olefinic unsaturation, m is a number having an average value of 0-10, n is a number having an average value of 2-20 and M is hydrogen or a monovalent cation. Preferably the iodophors contain at least 20% of iodine. The novel iodophors are prepared by dissolving at room temperature the desired amount of iodine in the surface-active agent.