Iodoform

Introduction

A member of the organic halogen compounds, iodoform is an organic iodine molecule with the chemical formula CHI₃. It is a volatile, crystalline material that is a light-yellow colour. It smells similar to chloroform and has a pungent, recognisable scent that is sweet-smelling.

What is Iodoform?

The class of organic halide compounds includes the organoiodine substance iodoform, which has the chemical formula CHI₃. It is a volatile, crystalline chemical that is a light shade of yellow. It has a piercing, recognisable smell that is similar to chloroform but sweeter. Due to its characteristic smell, it was frequently employed in hospitals and was referred to as "the smell of a hospital." Because it has a non-irritating impact, iodoform is frequently used as an antiseptic and disinfection in several drugs.

History of Iodoform

In the year 1822, George Simon Serullas published the first description of how to make iodoform. The synthesis's presentation was caused by interactions between ethanolic iodine in water (H₂ O) and iodine vapour in steam over hot coals. Acetone (CH₃ COCH₃), sodium carbonate (Na₂ CO₃), and inorganic iodides can all be found in aqueous solutions that can be electrolyzed to create an iodoform.

Iodoform is transformed into methylene iodide by several chemicals. This dense liquid is employed as a heavyweight media in gravity separation operations. It is colourless while it is pure but typically has traces of iodine.

Characteristics of Iodoform

• CHI₃ is its chemical formula.

• It is a crystalline material that is light yellow.

• It is unstable.

• It easily catches fire.

• It belongs to the family of organic halogens.

• Iodoform, which is used to dress wounds, gives them a burning feeling when administered.

• Tri-iodomethane is another name for iodoform

• Iodoform has a molecular weight of 393.73 g/mol. It has a melting point of $\mathrm{121^\circ C}$

• Iodoform is a chemical that is good for the skin because it does not itch unless it is applied to an open wound.

• It is a very pure material, with a 98 percent purity rate. Compared to most other chemical substances, this number is substantially greater.

• Iodoform stands out for its balanced composition, great purity, and efficiency.

Chemical Structure of Iodoform

Let's attempt to understand the iodoform's chemical composition. The molecule of iodoform has a tetrahedral molecular geometry, meaning it contains 4 bonds. The molecule is made up of three iodine atoms bound to one atom of carbon. The iodine (I) atoms are sp² hybridised, while the carbon (C) atom is sp³ hybridised. The iodine atom has a larger electron density than the carbon atom, making the carbon-iodine bond polar. The molecule experiences a significant dipole moment as a result.

The skeleton formula, the accepted notation for organic compounds, is another name for the 2D molecular structures illustration of iodoform. Iodoform's chemical structure shows that the carbon atoms are positioned at the corners and that there is no sign of hydrogen atoms joined to the carbon atoms. You can imagine that there are enough hydrogen atoms surrounding each carbon atom to give it four bonds.

2D Structure

3D Structure

Uses of Iodoform

• Iodophor is most frequently used in hospitals, but it also has a variety of additional purposes, which are described below −

  • Many different disinfection products contain it.

  • It is vital to medicine since it has antibacterial qualities.

  • Minor skin conditions are treated with it as an antiseptic.

  • It is incorporated into items that are used to clean polarised films on LCDs and LEDs, among other devices.

• Iodoform (CHI₃) is a disinfectant that is used on a limited basis. Iodoform was a common pharmaceutical ingredient used to treat and bandage wounds and sores during the 20th century.

• For both dogs and cats, iodoform helps in removing ear hair.

• Iodoform was used to sterilise surgical instruments.

• It is a key component of dogs and cats’ powders as well as products including zinc (Zn) and propanoic acid that fights infections.

• The angel's bonnet mushroom has the distinct aroma of iodoform and naturally contains it.

The Iodoform Reaction

In a chemical process known as an iodoform reaction, aqueous hydroxide (OH) and iodide combines with methyl ketone to produce a carboxylate. Alcohols have a CH₂ CH₂(OH) group, which is recognised by the iodoform reaction. Secondary alcohol containing a methyl (CH₃) group in the alpha region or a methyl ketone molecule reacts with iodine (I) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to generate a precipitate of iodoform, which is a light yellow substance. A CH₃ CH=O groups can be located using it. Acetaldehyde, methyl ketone, ethanol, and other substances specifically produce positive iodoform test results.

Iodoform Reagent

A reagent in chemistry is a material that is added to a system to initiate or determine whether a reaction has already taken place. To monitor the iodoform reaction, there are two iodoform reagents available.

Solution of Iodine(I) with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

To erase the iodine's colour, a tiny amount of sodium hydroxide solution is also added along with the iodine solution and some alcohol. If there is an iodoform remnant that is very light yellow in colour, the test was successful. The correct deposition's colour and "medical" scent can also be identified.

Solutions of sodium chlorate (I) with potassium iodide (KI)

A tiny amount of alcohol is mixed with potassium iodide (KI) solution, and then sodium chlorate is added (I). If no precipitation occurs, it might be required to slowly reheat the combination. Precipitation that is a light-yellow colour is the consequence.

Conclusion

As a result, we concluded that learning regarding iodoform is an essential component of chemistry. It is a material having several common applications. Iodoform, its reactivity, and other related knowledge are therefore of enormous academic and practical significance.

FAQs

1. Does Iodoform have side effects?

The negative effects of iodoform, such as consciousness disruption, delirium, headache, and tachycardia, are rare even though it has been used extensively to heal wounds.

2. Iodoform reacts in what way?

A chemical process in which aqueous HO^- (hydroxide) and I₂ react with a methyl ketone to transform it into a carboxylate. Iodoform (CHI₃), a yellow substance that can separate from the reaction mixture, is another product of the process.

3. Iodoform is a common antiseptic, but why?

Viruses and fungi are effectively eliminated by iodoform. On the skin, 90% of bacteria are eliminated in just 90 seconds. Iodoform has antiseptic qualities. The skin loses 88% of the iodoform it contains, necessitating covering.

4. Can ketone pass an iodoform test?

All ketones, except for ethyl isopropyl ketone, pass the iodoform test because they all contain the methyl keto group.

5. Why does the ethanol test for iodoform positively?

The compound must include for the iodoform (CHI₃) reaction to occur, where R can either be an alkyl group or a hydrogen atom. The iodoform test is therefore positive for ethanol. Alpha methyl groups are present in the substances that respond favourably to the iodoform test.