Definition. - Triiodomethane, usually obtained by the action of iodine upon alcohol, in the presence of an alkali or alkali carbonate.

Description and Properties. - Small, lemon-yellow, lustrous crystals, of the hexagonal system, having a peculiar, very penetrating, and persistent odor, somewhat resembling that of saffron and iodine, and an unpleasant, slightly sweetish, and iodinelike taste. It is very slightly soluble in water, to which, however, it imparts its odor and taste; soluble in about 46.7 parts of alcohol, in about 12 parts of boiling alcohol, or in 5.2 parts of ether, and very soluble in chloroform, benzin, and fixed and volatile oils.

Iodoform is slightly volatile, even at ordinary temperatures, and in boiling water distils slowly over with its vapor. It should be kept in well-stoppered bottles, in a cool and dark place.

Iodoform contains 96.69 per cent. of its weight as iodine.

Dose. - 1-3 grains (0.06-0.2 Gm.) [4 grains (.250 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Unguentum Iodoformi - Unguenti Iodoformi - Ointment of Iodoform. -10 per cent. Used externally.