What is it?
Odor: Characteristic, disagreeable odor
It is synthesized in the haloform reaction by the reaction of iodine and sodium hydroxide with any one of these four kinds of organic compounds:
The reaction of iodine and base with methyl ketones is so reliable that the "iodoform test" (the appearance of a yellow precipitate) is used to probe the presence of a methyl ketone.
Natural occurrence
Iodoform is the organoiodine compound with the formula CHI3. A pale yellow, crystalline, volatile substance, it has a penetrating and distinctive odor. Sometimes it's odor is referred to as the smell of hospitals.
Also known as...
- Tri-iodomethane
- Carbon triiodide
- Methyl triiodide
Properties
Molecular Weight: 393.732 g/mol
Melting Point: 119 °C
Boiling Point: 218 °C
Color: Yellow powder or crystals
Solubility: 7,8 g/100ml Ethanol, 100 mg/l Water
Synthesis
The synthesis of iodoform was first described by Georges-Simon Serullas in 1822.- a methyl ketone (CH3COR),
- acetaldehyde (CH3CHO),
- ethanol (CH3CH2OH),
- and certain secondary alcohols (CH3CHROH, where R is an alkyl or aryl group).
The reaction of iodine and base with methyl ketones is so reliable that the "iodoform test" (the appearance of a yellow precipitate) is used to probe the presence of a methyl ketone.
Intresting Fact
Around the beginning of the 20th century it was used in medicine as a healing and antiseptic dressing for wounds and sores, although this use is now superseded by superior antiseptics.
Adolf Hitler's mother, Klara Hitler, died of iodoform poisoning brought on by her treatment for breast cancer.
Safety
Health (blue): Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
Instability/reactivity (yellow): Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
The angel's bonnet mushroom contains iodoform, and shows its characteristic odor.
Reference: wikipedia.com ~ pubchem.com ~ nmrdb.org
Comments
Post a Comment