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Tri-Iodomethane Reaction

Chemistry: Cambridge International A Level, topic 3.5.4

Tri-Iodomethane

Compounds with a -CH3CO can reactive with basic solutions to produce tri-iodomethane.

Reaction

Reaction

  • A solution of iodine is added to the aldehyde or ketone.
  • A base is added to make the solution alkaline. NaOH is often used.
  • If a -CH3CO group is present, the reaction can proceed and tri-iodomethane (CHI3) is formed.
  • CHI3 forms a pale yellow precipitate in solution.
Step 1

Step 1

Step 2

Step 2

Overall equation

Overall equation

  • This gives an overall equation of:
  • CH3CO-R + 3I2 + 4OH- → CHI3 + RCOO- + 3I- + 3H2O

Test yourself on Tri-Iodomethane Reaction

  • The tri-iodomethane reaction is used to test the presence of which group?

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