iodoform

iodoform (īō'dufôrm") [key], CHI₃, yellow crystalline solid that has a penetrating odor. It melts at 119°C and is insoluble in water but soluble in ether or ethanol. Iodoform was formerly used as an antiseptic. It is produced when a methyl ketone, acetaldehyde, or an alcohol with the formula RCHOHCH₃ (where R is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group) is treated with sodium hydroxide and iodine.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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