Structure and uses of iodoform

Iodoform, which is a yellow solid organic halogen compound, was first discovered in 1822. Also known as triiodomethane, iodoform is manufactured by electrolysis of an aqueous solution that contains sodium carbonate, acetone and inorganic iodides. The chemical’s antiseptic properties were first discovered in 1880, which made it medically quite important. However, in more modern times, iodoform is not used as frequently due to the discovery of more effective chemical antiseptics. Another reason that iodoform is no longer as commonly used in medical treatments is that it carries a slight risk of poisoning. Excessive amounts of iodoform that are absorbed into the skin or ingested can lead to systemic intoxication, which could cause symptoms such as vomiting, rapid pulse, hallucinations, delirium and fever. Iodoform poisoning has the potential to even lead to a coma or death. When ingested or absorbed into the skin, iodoform has also been known to cause vision impairment and possibly total blindness, although the vision usually slowly improves on its own over time.

The Iodoform or haloform test is usually performed to detect the presence of aldehydes and ketones containing the alpha-methyl group. It is also useful to distinguish ethanol from methanol. The test can be performed using iodine with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or using potassium iodide (KI) with a solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaCIO). Carbonyl compounds with the structure R-CO-CH 3 and alcohols with the structure R-CH(OH)CH 3 readily undergo the iodoform test. The chemical reaction in which methyl ketone is oxidised to a carboxylate by reaction with aqueous HO - and I 2 . The reaction also produces iodoform (CHI 3 ), a yellow solid that can precipitate from the reaction mixture. The iodoform reaction is used as a chemical test for the presence of a methyl ketone moiety. The triiodomethane (iodoform) reaction can be used to determine the presence of CH 3 CO groups in aldehydes and ketones. Two quite different mixtures of reagents can be used to carry out this reaction. Iodoform Structure Structure of Iodoform Iodoform is an organic iodine compound with the formula CHI 3 and has a tetrahedral molecular geometry. It is a relatively water-insoluble yellow solid that is chemically reactive in free radical-generating reactions. Physical Properties of Iodoform • It has a melting point of 121 degrees Celsius. • It is a yellow crystalline solid. • It has a distinct, unpleasant smell. • It is insoluble in water, although soluble in ethyl alcohol and ether. Che...