Acetyl iodide is a colourless, fuming liquid with a pungent odour. It is soluble in benzene
and ether. Acetyl iodide is toxic, corrosive, and reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. The vapours of acetyl iodide are irritating to the eyes and mucous
membranes. Vapour causes pulmonary oedema. It is corrosive to metals and skin. Acetyl
iodide turns brown on exposure to air as it reacts exothermically with moisture in the air
to give hydrogen iodide (hydroiodic acid), a strong irritant. It decomposes in water to give
acidic products. Inhalation, ingestion, or contact of the skin and the eyes with vapours, dusts,
or substance may cause severe injury, burns, or death. Contact with molten form of acetyl
iodide causes 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. Run-off from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and
cause pollution.
