5033. Iodoform

Nomenclature

CAS number: 75-47-8
Triiodomethane.
CHI3; mol wt 393.73.
C 3.05%, H 0.26%, I 96.69%.

Description and references

Prepn from acetone, sodium hypochlorite, potassium iodide, and sodium hydroxide: Glass, Q. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 8, 351 (1935); from chloroform + methyl iodide: Soroos, Hinkamp, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 67, 1642 (1945); by electrolysis: Glasstone, Ind. Chem. 7, 315 (1931). Description of the iodoform reaction: Seelye, Turney, J. Chem. Educ. 36, 572 (1959). Toxicity study: Kutob, Plaa, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 4, 354 (1962).

Properties

Yellow powder or crystals; mp ≈120°; dec at high temp with evolution of iodine. Unctuous touch; characteristic, disagreeable odor. Volatile with steam. d 4.1. Very slightly sol in water. One gram dissolves in 60 ml cold alcohol, 16 ml boiling alcohol, 10 ml chloroform, 7.5 ml ether, 80 ml glycerol, 3 ml carbon disulfide, 34 ml olive oil; freely sol in benzene, acetone, slightly sol in petr ether. LD50 s.c. in mice: 1.6 mmoles/kg (Kutob, Plaa).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and skin; lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, incoordination, CNS depression; dyspnea; liver, kidney and heart damage; visual disturbances. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 172.

Therapeutic Category

Anti-infective (topical).

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Antiseptic, disinfectant for superficial lesions and in the female reproductive tract.

Keywords

Antiseptic/Disinfectant; Halogens/Halogen Containing Compounds