Methyl Iodide // Iodomethane

methanol
methyl iodide
methanethiol (methyl mercaptan)
bromomethane
methylamine

Q1

Similarities:

1. Chemical Structure: All the compounds contain a methyl group (CH3) as a common
component in their chemical structure.
2. Volatility: Methanol, methyl iodide, bromomethane, and methylamine are volatile
compounds, meaning they can easily evaporate into the air at room temperature.
3. Industrial Applications: Methanol, methyl iodide, and methylamine have various industrial
applications, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and solvents.

Differences:

1. Chemical Composition: Methanol is an alcohol (CH3OH), methyl iodide is an alkyl halide

(CH3I), methanethiol is a thiol (CH3SH), bromomethane is a halomethane (CH3Br), and
methylamine is an amine (CH3NH2). They differ in the functional groups attached to the
methyl group.
2. Odor: Methanethiol has a characteristic foul odor, while the other compounds have different
odors. Methanol has a relatively mild odor, methyl iodide has a sweet odor, bromomethane
has a sweet odor, and methylamine has a strong fishy odor.
3. Toxicity: Methanol, methyl iodide, and methylamine are toxic compounds, whereas
bromomethane and methanethiol have varying levels of toxicity. Methanol is particularly
toxic and can cause severe health effects, including blindness and organ damage.
4. Uses: The compounds have different applications. Methanol is used as a solvent and fuel,
methyl iodide is used as a methylating agent, methanethiol is used in the production of flavors
and pharmaceuticals, bromomethane was used as a fumigant (now restricted), and
methylamine is used in the production of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Q2