C2H4I2

C2H4I2, also known as 1,2-diiodoethane or ethylene diiodide, is an organoiodine compound with the chemical formula C2H4I2. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature, though it can decompose upon prolonged exposure to light, leading to discoloration. The compound is characterized by a chain of two carbon atoms, each bonded to a hydrogen atom and an iodine atom.

1,2-diiodoethane is synthesized through various methods, often involving the reaction of ethylene with iodine. It is a relatively reactive compound due to the presence of the carbon-iodine bonds. These bonds can be cleaved under certain conditions, making it useful as a reagent in organic synthesis. For example, it can participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions and can be a source of iodine in certain chemical transformations.

In terms of physical properties, 1,2-diiodoethane has a relatively high boiling point and is soluble in many organic solvents. Its density is greater than that of water. While not commonly encountered in everyday life, it finds applications in specific laboratory and industrial chemical processes. Handling of this compound requires appropriate safety precautions due to its potential toxicity and reactivity. Its chemical behavior is largely dictated by the nature of the carbon-iodine bonds and the overall molecular structure.