4-Iodoimidazole stands out in the long catalog of heterocyclic compounds for its structure and function. Born from imidazole, which is a five-membered aromatic ring holding two nitrogen atoms, this variant sports an iodine atom at the fourth position. Chemists and industry folks might run into it under the molecular formula C3H3IN2, counting a molecular weight of about 209.98 grams per mole. Unlike many raw materials that blend into the background, 4-Iodoimidazole claims a spot in synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and materials science, with practical value and safety challenges intertwined.
Most laboratory shelves present 4-Iodoimidazole in a crystalline solid. It shows a consistent look: pale, offwhite powder, often flaked or granulated, sometimes pressed into small pearls. Feeling the texture with gloves brings out a dry, slightly grainy touch, not far from the feel of table salt but with more heft. Density sits in the 2.32 gram per cubic centimeter range, so even a small bottle weighs more than its size suggests. Melting begins around 223 to 227°C, a temperature where the compound transforms without visible smoke or dramatic reaction. It dissolves moderately in water and several organic solvents, though the rate depends on agitation and temperature. Packing and sealing keep the hygroscopic nature in check to avoid unwanted clumping.
The strength of 4-Iodoimidazole rests in its reactivity. The imidazole core brings basicity and can act as both a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, opening doors to chemical reactions. The presence of iodine at the fourth carbon lets researchers create derivatives not possible using plain imidazole. Medicinal chemists favor this structure for designing anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agents. In material science, it acts as a building block for specialty polymers and coordination complexes. I’ve seen researchers use it directly in Suzuki coupling, making carbon-iodine bonds the point of attachment for more elaborate synthesis projects. No universal solvent handles it perfectly, so picking the right mix depends on both the goal and the handling safety requirements.
For import, export, or documentation, every chemist needs the right codes. You spot 4-Iodoimidazole with HS Code 29332990, coming under “heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only.” Good material may show a purity above 97%, often hitting 99% after careful purification. Buyers look for specifications like appearance, melting point, water content, and assay. Reliable suppliers hand over certificates of analysis and safety data sheets—an absolute must, not paperwork to skip. Since the compound has halogen content, shipping and storage rules cover both safe packaging and trace documentation for customs and regulatory review.
4-Iodoimidazole doesn’t advertise itself as dangerous, but close contact brings real concerns. Prolonged inhalation or skin exposure may cause irritation. Strict ventilation and gloves reduce direct risk, and chemical-resistant lab coats become a daily uniform. Some colleagues suffered mild eye and throat irritation after accidental exposure in a poorly ventilated fume hood, reminding everyone to stick to safety routines. Like many iodo-derivatives, this compound does not belong around open flames or sources of ignition, despite no strong odor. Safety data sheets warn about environmental impact, especially with improper disposal, since iodine-containing molecules can persist in soil and water. Waste needs containment and proper labeling to avoid chemical burns and long-term toxin buildup.
Industry recognizes 4-Iodoimidazole as a specialty raw material. Its value comes from both the imidazole ring’s inherent chemical activity and the unique reactivity of the attached iodine. In pharmaceuticals, it starts a journey: first as a raw input, later as a tailored intermediate that grows in complexity with every chemical step. Not every factory carries it in bulk; more often, it goes to specialized operations, jobbing labs, or custom synthesis shops focused on short runs and innovation. I have seen cases where a shortage of this material delayed scale-up on promising research projects, showing how crucial a steady supply chain can be throughout development work.
The core structure—a five-member imidazole ring with substituent iodine at position four—defines everything from basicity to solubility to hazard profile. Every iodo-imidazole brings a heavier atomic fingerprint than similar analogs with lighter halogens. As regulations tighten, industries should invest in safer shipping containers and better training for staff. Some larger players now offer pre-weighed, sealed ampules to cut exposure risk during sample transfers. In my own lab experience, small tweaks in vial design and dedicated chemical waste streams made handling much safer. Upgrading storage spaces with inert gas blankets or constant dehumidification pays off by keeping the solid dry and free-flowing for longer periods.
4-Iodoimidazole might not enjoy broad recognition, but its place in chemical, pharmaceutical, and research sectors stays secure. Each property—density, melting point, hazard profile—affects handling and application in day-to-day work. For those developing new drugs, specialty coatings, or advanced molecules, this compound forms the base for innovative chemistry, driven by structure and hands-on knowledge as much as by numbers on a page.
