Methyl Iodide:
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Methyl Iodide is an important reagent in organic chemistry. It affords the 
organic chemist a means of adding a methyl group to compounds. It is most 
conveniently prepared by the reaction of PI3 on methanol.

31 grams (1.0 mole) of red phosphorous is placed in a 3 neck 500 ml. rb. 
flask add 40 ml (1.0 mole) of methanol. Attach fractionating column packed 
with freshly dried calcium chloride. (note: a small piece of stainless 
screen may be needed at bottom) Attach distillation head, condenser, and 
receiver adapter to a 100 ml. rb. flask submerged in ice water.

Dissolve 83.8 grams (2/3 mole.) of Iodine in 120 ml. of methanol. Pour 
into 250 ml sep. funnel attach to rb. flask. Add 42.3 grams (1/3 mole) 
Iodine to flask and swirl. Depending on ambient conditions heat may be 
required to start the reaction. If heat is used be prepared to remove and 
cool if needed to maintain slow but steady distillation. Once initial 
reaction has stabilized add more iodine/methanol solution dropwise to 
maintain a slow and steady distillation. Collect the fraction boiling at 
42 degrees C. When the reaction has subsided, do not heat flask excessively 
as Phosphine may be produced 

Notes: Maintain cold water through condenser at all times ensure all joints 
are tight and vapour secure keep receiver flask submerged and well chilled.
Yield 50~60 ml. 80-90%