Iodal

Iodal
Names
IUPAC name
triiodoethanal
Other names
triiodoacetaldehyde
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
EC Number
  • 227-192-0
  • InChI=1S/C2HI3O/c3-2(4,5)1-6/h1H
    Key: SNWLPURUNKWTPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • C(=O)C(I)(I)I
Properties
C2HI3O
Molar mass 421.742 g·mol−1
Appearance pale yellow liquid or solid
reacts to form a soluble hydrate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Iodal, or triiodoacetaldehyde, is a halogenated derivative of acetaldehyde with the chemical formula I3CCHO, it is analogous to chloral and bromal. It is described as a pale yellow liquid with a pungent odour by Leopold Gmelin. It is decomposed to iodoform by potash.[1] Iodal was discovered and named in 1837.[2]

Iodal is synthesised from ethanol and iodine with concentrated nitric acid as the catalyst.[1] Its hydrate was described as water-soluble, white silky crystals.[3] Like most iodine compounds, Iodal is unstable under sunlight and gives off iodine over time.

  1. ^ a b Iodal, Gmelin, L. (1855). Hand-book of Chemistry: Organic chemistry. UK: Cavendish Society. pages 186-187
  2. ^ "Iodal" in Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles, London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science (1837)
  3. ^ Iodal in Chemical Notices from Foreign Sources, The Chemical News: With which is Incorporated the Chemical Gazette: a Journal of Practical Chemistry in All Its Applications to Pharmacy, Arts, and Manufactures. (1862). UK: C. Mitchell and Company.