Iodal, or triiodoacetaldehyde, is a halogenated derivative of acetaldehyde with the chemical formula , it is analogous to chloral and bromal. It is described as a pale yellow liquid with a pungent odour by Leopold Gmelin. It is decomposed to iodoform by potash.Iodal, Gmelin, L. (1855). Hand-book of Chemistry: Organic chemistry. UK: Cavendish Society. pages 186-187 Iodal was discovered and named in 1837."Iodal" in Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles, London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science (1837)
Iodal is synthesised from ethanol and iodine with concentrated nitric acid as the catalyst. Its hydrate was described as water-soluble, white silky crystals.Iodal in Chemical Notices from Foreign Sources, The Chemical News: With which is Incorporated the Chemical Gazette: a Journal of Practical Chemistry in All Its Applications to Pharmacy, Arts, and Manufactures. (1862). UK: C. Mitchell and Company. Like most iodine compounds, Iodal is unstable under sunlight and gives off iodine over time.
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