C5H9I

C5H9I is the chemical formula for several organic compounds, all isomers of pentyl iodide. The most common isomer referred to by this formula is 1-iodopentane. This compound is a primary alkyl halide, meaning the iodine atom is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom. 1-iodopentane is a colorless liquid with a relatively high boiling point. It is insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents like ethanol and diethyl ether.

The synthesis of 1-iodopentane can be achieved through various methods. One common approach involves the reaction of 1-pentanol with an iodinating agent such as phosphorus triiodide (PI3) or a mixture of red phosphorus and iodine. Another method is the free radical iodination of pentane, though this often leads to a mixture of isomers. 1-iodopentane is a useful reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in nucleophilic substitution reactions where the iodine atom can be readily displaced by other functional groups. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various pentyl derivatives, including ethers, amines, and Grignard reagents.