C3H7I

C3H7I is the chemical formula for a group of isomers known as propyl iodides. These are organoiodine compounds with the general formula C3H7I. The three possible structural isomers with this formula are 1-iodopropane (n-propyl iodide), 2-iodopropane (isopropyl iodide), and iodopropane (which is not a distinct isomer as it refers to either 1- or 2-iodopropane).

1-iodopropane has the iodine atom attached to a terminal carbon of a three-carbon chain. 2-iodopropane has the iodine atom attached to the central carbon atom of the three-carbon chain. Both 1-iodopropane and 2-iodopropane are colorless liquids at room temperature. They are typically prepared through the reaction of the corresponding propanol with an iodinating agent such as hydrogen iodide or phosphorus triiodide.

These compounds are primarily used as alkylating agents in organic synthesis. The carbon-iodine bond is relatively weak, making the iodine atom a good leaving group. This allows for the introduction of the propyl group into other molecules through nucleophilic substitution reactions. For instance, they can be used to synthesize ethers, amines, and other alkylated compounds. Due to their reactivity, propyl iodides are often handled with care in laboratory settings. They are generally soluble in organic solvents but have limited solubility in water.