iodoform, 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 Copyright © 2004.
Licensed from Columbia University Press
