An idea for the synthesis and isolation of iodomethane came to me today. Please correct me on any mistakes and give your opinion/advice.
Numbers aren't worked out, I'm looking for input as to the viability of the method as a whole.
NaI/KI + Phosphoric Acid in water. Add methanol until iodide is consumed.
As MeI is not especially soluble in water(14g/L@20C), the water and the MeI would separate as the methanol is consumed. The MeI could then be isolated
via separatory funnel.
Thoughts?
Edit- 'doh, not enough sleep!
[Edited on 6-1-2008 by Beryllium]
[Edited on 7-1-2008 by Beryllium]Maja - 6-1-2008 at 13:44
Iodomethane is very very volatile bp 40C. Refluxing for some time H3PO4 + NaI + Methanol works well. Iodomethane also is very toxic.Beryllium - 6-1-2008 at 13:48
Quote:
Originally posted by Maja
Iodomethane is very very volatile bp 40C. Refluxing for some time H3PO4 + NaI + Methanol works well. Iodomethane also is very toxic.
Any idea as to the duration of reflux or yield?Maja - 6-1-2008 at 13:53
Ah, I searched, but not for methyl iodide. Thanks for the assistance.Klute - 7-1-2008 at 09:01
Be carefull! This a very noxiuous compound! Work under an efficient fume hood, no bare skin, and even a suited gas mask would adviseable.
It's the kind of stuff you don't want to take a wiff of. I will kill you years after (cancer) if it doesn't immediatly. The ease in which it can be
made must not make you forget how dangerous it is.
Be safe.
iodomethane
Tsjerk - 7-1-2008 at 09:13
There will be no di-iodo-methane formed in this synthesis. Neither will methane. But it's advisable to use cooled water in your condensor if you
reflux.
