Distillation of a slightly decomposed perfluoroalkyl iodide.

Upon standing alkyl halides, especially iodides could decompose to give elemental iodine and a lot unwanted stuff. From time to time these decomposition products could be removed with fractional distillation if we are enough lucky. In this case a little iodine was left in distillate (as seen on the pictures).

Did you know that Perflubron (perfluorooctyl bromide) has been used in liquid breathing in premature infants with respiratory distress since oxygen dissolves pretty well in these perfluorinated compounds.

9:30 pm • 16 October 2014 • 167 notes • View comments