Chloroiodomethane

Chloroiodomethane is a mixed liquid halomethane very soluble in acetone, benzene, diethyl ether and alcohol. Its refractive index is 1.5812 - 1.5832.

It crystallizes orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pnma with lattice constants: a = 6.383, b = 6.706, c = 8.867 (.10-1 nm).

Chloroiodomethane is used in cyclopropanation (Simmon-Smith reaction), Mannich reaction 4, aminomethylation, epoxidation, ring opening and addition to terminal alkenes. It often replaces diiodomethane because of higher yields and selectivity.