Preparation and Handling
Methyl iodide is formed via the exothermic reaction that occurs when iodine is added to a mixture of methanol with red phosphorus. The iodinating reagent is phosphorus triiodide that is formed in situ:
- 3 CH3OH + PI3 → 3 CH3I + H3PO3
Alternatively, it is prepared from the reaction of dimethyl sulfate with potassium iodide in the presence of calcium carbonate:
- (CH3O)2SO2 + KI → CH3I + CH3OSO2OK
Methyl iodide can also be prepared by the reaction of methanol with potassium iodide, catalyzed by acid:
- 2 CH3OH + 2 KI + H2SO4 → 2 CH3I + K2SO4 + H2O
The reaction is carried out at low temperature and the water generated in the reaction is trapped by excess sulfuric acid so the reaction is not reversible. The generated methyl iodide can be distilled from the reaction mixture.
Read more about this topic: Methyl Iodide
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