triiodomethylmethane

Triiodomethylmethane, also known as iodoform, is an organoiodine compound with the chemical formula CHI. It is a pale yellow, crystalline solid with a distinctive, penetrating odor. Iodoform is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform. It is a member of the haloform family of compounds, which are characterized by a carbon atom bonded to three halogen atoms and one hydrogen atom.

Historically, iodoform was used as an antiseptic and disinfectant due to the slow release of iodine. Its characteristic smell was a common indicator of its presence in medical settings. However, its use as an antiseptic has largely been superseded by more effective and less odorous alternatives.

Iodoform can be synthesized through the haloform reaction, which involves the iodination of ethanol or a methyl ketone in the presence of a base. This reaction is a common laboratory preparation method for iodoform. Industrially, it has found limited applications, primarily as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds. Its stability and reactivity make it a useful reagent in certain organic transformations.