Iodoform

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The term 'iodoform' was also used in World War II to refer to group keys sent to agents in Europe by the Special Operations Executive: this usage is unrelated to the chemical.
Iodoform
IUPAC name Iodoform
Other names Triiodomethane, Methyl triiodide, Carbon triiodide, TIM
Identifiers
CAS number [75-47-8]
PubChem 6374
EINECS number 200-874-5
KEGG D01910
ChEBI 37758
RTECS number PB7000000
SMILES C(I)(I)I
InChI 1/CHI3/c2-1(3)4/h1H
Properties
Molecular formula CHI3
Molar mass 393.73 g/mol
Appearance Yellowish crystalls
Density 4.008 g/cm3
Melting point

123 °C
Boiling point

217 °C (expl.)
Solubility in water 0.1 g/l at 20 °C
log P 3.83
kH 0.34 mol.kg-1.bar-1
Structure
Crystal structure Hexagonal
Molecular shape Tetrahedral
Hazards
EU classification Harmful (Xn), Dangerous for the environment (N)
NFPA 704
0
2
1
 
R-phrases R20/21/22, R36/37/38
S-phrases S22, S26, S36/37/39
Flash point 204 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

The compound iodoform is CHI3. A pale yellow, crystalline, volatile substance, it has a penetrating odor (in older chemistry texts, the smell is sometimes referred to as the smell of hospitals) and, analogous to chloroform, sweetish taste. It is slightly soluble in glycerol, petroleum ether or alcohol (78 g/l at 25 °C), averagely soluble in chloroform, acetic acid and ether (136 g/l at 25 °C) and easily soluble in benzene and acetone (120 g/l at 25 °C).

Contents

[edit] Physical properties

Its enthalpy of sublimation is 69.9 kJ.mol-1 at range of temperatures 35 - 92 °C.

Iodoform molecule parameters are: d(C-I) = 2.12 ± 0.04 Å, d(I-I) = 3.535 ± 0.01 Å and I-C-I = 113°. Dipole moment is 1 D. Its space group is P63 and lattice constants are a = 6.83 Å, c = 7.52 Å.

It has critical point at 584.85 °C, 5.63 MPa. Refractive index is 1.786 (D, 20 °C).

[edit] Synthesis

It was first prepared by Georges Serrulas in 1822 and its molecular formula was identified by Jean-Baptiste Dumas in 1834.

Iodoform can be synthesized in the haloform reaction by the reaction of iodine and sodium hydroxide with any one of these four kinds of organic compounds:

Image:Iodoform synthesis.png

For this reason iodoform was traditionally used as a test for methyl ketone; if a methyl ketone is present in the solution, a yellow precipitate will form. This is known as the iodoform test.

[edit] Reactions

Some reagents (e.g. hydroiodic acid) can convert iodoform to diiodomethane.

Also conversion to carbon dioxide is possible. Iodoform reacts with silver nitrate producing carbon monoxide, which is oxidized by mixture of sulfuric acid and iodine pentaoxide.

[edit] Uses

It was used in medicine as a healing and antiseptic dressing for wounds and sores around the beginning of the 20th century, though this use is now superseded by better antiseptics.

[edit] References

  • Merck Index, 12 Edition, 5054.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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Medicated dressings (D09)