Diiodoform is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CHI3. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable "di-" is pronounced as /daɪ/, the second syllable "io-" is pronounced as /aɪəʊ/, and the third syllable "do-" is pronounced as /doʊ/. The last syllable "-form" is pronounced as /fɔrm/. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of diiodoform is /daɪˈaɪəʊdoʊfɔrm/. Diiodoform is a yellow crystalline solid and is used in the medical field as an antiseptic.
Diiodoform, also known as diiode methane, is a crystalline yellow compound with the chemical formula CHI3. It is a halogenated derivative of methane with two iodine atoms attached to a single carbon atom. Diiodoform is known for its distinctive odor, which can be described as slightly sweet and reminiscent of chloroform.
Diiodoform is commonly used in laboratory settings as a reagent and as a reductive halogenation source due to its high iodine content. It has unique chemical properties, making it useful in various applications. Diiodoform is particularly effective in converting alcohols into alkyl iodides through a process called Finkelstein reaction. Furthermore, it is frequently employed as a reagent for detecting the presence of certain compounds, such as aldehydes and ketones, due to its characteristic yellow coloration.
Although diiodoform has some limited practical applications, it is mainly of interest to chemists for its role as a precursor and intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds. It is important to note that diiodoform is toxic and hence should be handled with appropriate caution. Prolonged exposure or ingestion can lead to harmful effects on the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, proper safety measures and protective equipment are necessary to handle and work with diiodoform in a laboratory or chemical setting.
Iodethylene, ethylene periodide, ethylene tetraiodide, C2I4, prepared by adding an excess of iodine to acetylene iodide; a yellow crystalline powder insoluble in water, employed as a substitute for iodoform.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "diiodoform" is composed of two parts: "di-" and "iodoform".
The prefix "di-" comes from the Greek word "di" meaning "two", indicating that there are two atoms of iodine in the compound.
"Iodoform" originates from the combination of the elements "iodine" and "form". "Iodine" refers to the chemical element with the symbol I, while "form" comes from the Latin word "formica", meaning "ant". This name is derived from the compound's characteristic antiseptic smell. "Iodoform" is a yellow crystalline substance that has a distinct odor similar to that of antiseptic.
Combining "di-" and "iodoform", we get "diiodoform", which refers to a compound containing two atoms of iodine in its molecular structure.