Question:

CH3I cannot be prepared by direct iodination of methane as the reaction is slow and reversible. However, it can be prepared by carrying out the reaction in the presence of

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Remember: Iodination requires an oxidizing agent (\(HIO_3\)/\(HNO_3\)), while bromination and chlorination do not, as \(HBr\) and \(HCl\) are not strong enough reducing agents to reverse the reaction easily.
Updated On: Apr 29, 2026
  • \(H_2SO_4\)
  • \(NaOH\)
  • \(HCl\)
  • \(H_3PO_4\)
  • \(HIO_3\)
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The iodination of alkanes is a reversible and extremely slow reaction.
The byproduct hydrogen iodide (\(HI\)) is a strong reducing agent that reacts with the formed alkyl iodide to regenerate the original alkane.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

The reaction is:
\[ CH_4 + I_2 \rightleftharpoons CH_3I + HI \]
To make the reaction proceed in the forward direction and obtain a good yield of methyl iodide (\(CH_3I\)), the \(HI\) produced must be removed immediately as it forms.
This is achieved by adding a strong oxidizing agent like iodic acid (\(HIO_3\)) or nitric acid (\(HNO_3\)).
The oxidizing agent reacts with \(HI\) to convert it back into iodine (\(I_2\)):
\[ 5HI + HIO_3 \to 3I_2 + 3H_2O \]
This shift in equilibrium (per Le Chatelier's principle) allows the preparation of the alkyl iodide.

Step 4: Final Answer:

The reaction is carried out in the presence of \(HIO_3\).
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