4776. Hydriodic Acid

Nomenclature

CAS number: 10034-85-2
HI; mol wt 127.91.
H 0.79%, I 99.21%.

Description and references

A soln of hydrogen iodide in water. Marketed in various concns, e.g., 57% HI, d 1.7; 47%, d 1.5; 10%, d 1.1. Prepd by absorption of hydrogen iodide gas in water or by the action of iodine on hydrogen sulfide according to the eq H2S + I2 → 2HI + S: Heisig, Frykholm, Inorg. Synth. 1, 157 (1939). See also Hydrogen Iodide.

Properties

Colorless when freshly made, but rapidly turns yellowish or brown on exposure to light and air. This discoloration can be prevented by the addition of about 1.5% hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2). Concd solns that have been stored for some time are usually opaque from oxidation, they may be regenerated with hypophosphorous acid: Foster, Nahas, Jr., Inorg. Synth. 2, 210 (1946). Corrosive. Keep protected from light and air, preferably not above 30°. Miscible with water or alcohol. Dissolves iodine. The azeotrope (constant-boiling acid) bp760 127°, d 1.70, contains 56.9% HI. Strong, corrosive acid, attacks natural rubber. 0.1 molar soln, pH 1.0.

Caution

Strong irritant.

Use

Reducing agent, manuf of inorganic iodides, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants. The 57% acid is also used for analytical purposes, such as methoxyl determinations.

Therapeutic Category

Expectorant.

Keywords

Expectorant