Acyl Iodides in Organic Synthesis: IV. Reaction of Acetyl Iodide with Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

In contrast to acyl chlorides, reactions of acetyl iodide with monocarboxylic acids follow the exchange pattern to give the corresponding acyl iodides and acetic acid. The reaction attracts interest from the preparative viewpoint as a simple and convenient route to acyl iodides. Acetyl iodide reacts with phthalic acid, yielding acetic acid and phthalic anhydride, while the reaction of acetyl iodide with oxalic acid leads to formation of acetic acid, carbon(II) oxide, and molecular iodine.