Isobutyl iodide

Chemical properties

clear colorless to light orange liquid

The Uses of Isobutyl iodide

Isobutyl iodide is a useful synthetic building block, such as its use in the palladium-catalyzed alkylation of arylpyridines with alkyl iodides.

General Description

A colorless liquid mixture of isomers that discolors in air. Denser than water. Flash point 30°F. Vapors are heavier than air. May be mildly toxic by inhalation. Used as a solvent and to make pharmaceuticals.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Isobutyl iodideS are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Health Hazard

May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Purification Methods

Shake the iodide with conc H2SO4, and wash it with water, aqueous Na2SO3, and water, dry with MgSO4 and distil it. Alternatively, pass through a column of activated alumina before distillation. Store it under nitrogen with mercury in a brown bottle or in the dark. [Beilstein 1 IV 299.]