[quadsofdgods]

Hi guys, this is my first post, i usually just browse and use the search but this time i couldnt find my answer so i thought i`d post. (fyi i`m from the tiny island of Malta)

now onto my question re; iodoform reaction, i`m having much difficulty balancing the equation both when you use alcohols as well as when you use methyl ketones.

CH3CH(OH)CH3 + I2 +NaOH -----> CHI3 + CH3C(=O)ONa

CH3C(=O)CH3 +I2 +NaOH -----> ?

Fyi according to my notes all you require is to warm, add in I2 and a base or use KI and NAClO.

I`m not so good at chemistry so bear with me....

[Dan]

Start with the equation involving the ketone as it is easier, then move on to the alcohol.

You have not identified all of the products of the iodoform reaction - there are two more:

CH₃COCH₃ + I₂ + NaOH CH₃COONa + CHI₃ + ? + ?

In order to work it out, you will need to have a look at the reaction mechanism, see:

http://www.organic-chemistry.org/namedreactions/haloform-reaction.shtm

[quadsofdgods]

considering i dont have it in my notes, and that i read on another forum that you dont have to balance some organic equations, of which incls an iodoform equation (unless your going to study further, i`m undergraduate), would it be possible that i really dont have to ensure stoichiometry (wanted to sound a bit smart)?

[Dan]

Well, you might not have to balance it. It depends on what you want to do with the equation. Since you asked, I was trying to steer you in the right direction. At the moment you do not have a complete unbalanced equation, which is why you can't balance it. This suggests to me that you do not understand the mechanism of the reaction. This is a reaction you should understand at undergraduate level, it was certainly in my first year organic exam.

I would advise you to stretch yourself a bit. It's good practice and you will learn something. If you have no desire to explore beyond the limits of your lecture notes then I am afraid to say you will not get far.