Question

What happens when iodoform is heated with caustic potash?

Answer 1

1. When iodoform (CHI₃) is heated with caustic potash (KOH solution), it undergoes decomposition reaction.
2. The strong alkali removes the three iodine atoms from the carbon atom of iodoform and replaces them with oxygen, converting the carbon atom into the formate ion (HCOO⁻).
3. This ion then combines with potassium from caustic potash to form potassium formate (HCOOK).
4. The iodine atoms that are displaced combine with potassium to give potassium iodide (KI), and water is also produced.

\[\ce{\underset{iodoform}{CHI3} + 4KOH ->[heat][] \underset{potassium formate}{HCOOK} + 3KI + 2H2O}\]