Iodoform Test for Methyl Ketones

Standard
Acetone

Procedure
If the substance to be tested is water soluble, dissolve 4 drops of a liquid or an estimated 50 mg of a solid in 2 mL of water in a large test tube. Add 2 mL of 3 M sodium hydroxide and then slowly add 3 mL of the iodine solution. Stopper the test tube and shake vigorously. A positive test will result in the brown color of the reagent disappearing and the yellow iodoform solid precipitating out of solution. If the substance to be tested is insoluble in water, dissolve it in 2 mL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane, proceed as above, and at the end dilute with 10 mL of water.

Positive Test
Formation of solid iodoform (yellow) is a positive test. (Iodoform can be recognized by its odor and yellow color and, more securely, from the melting point 119o-123oC).

Complications
Test will not be positive if the R group is a di-ortho substituted aryl group

Cleaning Up
Place solutions in the appropriate waste container.