hydroxideiodoform

Hydroxideiodoform is not a recognized standard chemical term in contemporary chemistry. There is no widely accepted compound by this name, and major chemical databases do not describe a distinct substance called hydroxideiodoform. The closest well-defined species is iodoform, or triiodomethane (CHI3), a known compound produced in alkaline iodination reactions.

Context and meaning

In discussions of the haloform or iodoform reaction, methyl ketones such as R-CO-CH3 are treated with iodine in strongly basic solution (typically sodium hydroxide). This reaction yields an organic carboxylate and iodoform (CHI3) as a pale-yellow solid. Because the reaction occurs under a basic (hydroxide) medium, some informal sources may colloquially refer to the process or its products in ways that resemble the term hydroxideiodoform, but such usage does not designate a separate chemical entity.

Chemical identity

If encountered, hydroxideiodoform should be treated as a nonstandard term. The established compound is iodoform (CHI3), a stable, yellow crystalline solid with a distinctive odor and limited solubility in water. It is not an alcohol or hydroxide derivative, despite any implication in its name.

Properties and safety

Iodoform is moderately toxic and an irritant; it should be handled in a fume hood with appropriate protective equipment. Historical uses include antiseptic applications, though its role in modern practice is limited. As a term, hydroxideiodoform carries no defined set of properties separate from iodoform.

See also

Iodoform reaction; tri-iodomethane; haloform reaction; sodium hydroxide.