iodobutanes

Iodobutanes are a group of four isomeric organic compounds with the chemical formula C4H9I. They are characterized by a butane backbone where one hydrogen atom has been replaced by an iodine atom. The position of the iodine atom determines the specific isomer. These isomers are 1-iodobutane, 2-iodobutane, tert-butyl iodide (also known as 2-iodo-2-methylpropane), and isobutyl iodide (also known as 1-iodo-2-methylpropane).

1-iodobutane has the iodine atom attached to a primary carbon atom at the end of a straight four-carbon chain. 2-iodobutane has the iodine atom on the second carbon atom of a straight four-carbon chain. Tert-butyl iodide features an iodine atom attached to a tertiary carbon atom, which is bonded to three other carbon atoms. Isobutyl iodide has an iodine atom on a primary carbon atom of a branched four-carbon chain.

Iodobutanes are generally prepared through reactions of the corresponding butanols with iodine-containing reagents, such as hydroiodic acid or phosphorus triiodide. They are typically liquids at room temperature and are soluble in organic solvents but generally insoluble in water. Due to the relatively weak carbon-iodine bond, iodobutanes are reactive compounds and are often used as alkylating agents in organic synthesis, participating in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Their applications are primarily in laboratory settings for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules.