General Description
A colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Soluble in benzene and ether (Merck 11th ed., 1989). Vapors are irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Vapor causes pulmonary edema. Corrosive to metals and skin.
Reactivity Profile
ACETYL IODIDE decomposes exothermically in water or alcohol. Reacts vigorously and exothermically with bases. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Air & Water Reactions
Turns brown on exposure to air as ACETYL IODIDE(507-02-8) reacts exothermically with moisture in the air to give hydrogen Iodide (hydroiodic acid), a strong irritant. Decomposes in water to give acidic products.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
Purification Methods
Purify it by fractional distillation. [Beilstein 2 H 174, 2 I 80, 2 II 177, 2 III 393, 2 IV 399.] TOXIC and LACHRYMATORY.