Question

What type of compounds respond to the iodoform test?

Answer 1

• Methyl ketones (i.e., ketones with the structure RC(=O)CH₃) respond positively to the iodoform test.
• Ethanol and secondary alcohols with the structure R-CHOH-CH₃ also give a positive test because they are oxidized to methyl ketones under the test conditions.
• Other compounds having the CH₃-CO- group or capable of giving it upon oxidation will respond positively.

The iodoform test is used to identify such compounds by the formation of a yellow precipitate of iodoform (CHI₃).