Iodoform

Iodoform (CHI₃) is a pale yellow solid with a distinct smell. Its IUPAC name is triiodomethane.

Preparation

Iodoform is prepared by heating ethanol or acetone with iodine in the presence of alkali.

Yellow crystals of iodoform can easily be recognized by the characteristic smell. Formation of iodoform is used as iodoform test.

Iodoform is used as an antiseptic.