Ethyl 5-iodovalerate stands out as a specialty chemical valued in both research and industrial settings for its unique iodine content. As a raw material, it finds its way into applications from pharmaceutical synthesis to fine chemicals development, showing up in laboratories where specialized carbon-iodine bonds matter. This compound connects the dots for creators of novel molecules and continues to act as a gateway for further functionalization, particularly in the development of iodinated intermediates used in drug discovery and organic synthesis. Through direct involvement in lab work, it’s clear that handling and quality set this substance apart from more common esters.
Ethyl 5-iodovalerate comes with the molecular formula C7H13IO2. Its molecular weight sits around 272.08 g/mol, making it relatively heavy among small organic molecules due to the iodine atom. In practical terms, workers encounter it as a clear to pale yellow liquid, though it can crystallize under particular storage conditions. Density measures typically hover near 1.6 g/cm³ at 20°C, much higher than similar esters without halogen atoms. This elevated weight and density become noticeable even when measuring with basic equipment, making each gram count for more than with lighter raw materials. With a boiling point close to 140°C (under reduced pressure), it isn’t a chemical for high-heat processes without preparation. Iodinated materials in this weight range need stable, dry, and cool storage, away from sunlight and moisture, because trace water or light can quickly degrade purity and shelf life. During my years running synthesis reactions, I’ve seen even small deviations in storage conditions reduce yield or introduce impurities—a headache for anyone trying to achieve reproducible results. In routine handling, the substance presents as a viscous liquid but will sometimes form solid flakes or crystalline residues after extended refrigeration, a result of its relatively high molecular mass and the strong van der Waals interactions conferred by iodine.
This molecule includes an ethyl ester moiety attached to a five-carbon chain, capped by an iodine atom at the terminal position. The structural formula, C2H5OOC-(CH2)4-I, reveals its linearity. Such straightforward structures help synthetic chemists modify it for a wide range of derivatives. From first-hand synthesis work, the single-atom substitution at the five position makes a significant difference in both reactivity and solubility, offering clear advantages when specific iodine placement is needed.
Specifications usually focus on purity, iodine content, appearance, and absence of water or volatile impurities. In well-run chemical sourcing or laboratory procurement teams, a minimum purity of 98% is standard, often measured by NMR spectroscopy or GC-MS. Laboratories notice right away when even small levels of hydrolysis product ethyl valerate or free iodide show up. Any yellow or brown tinge in the sample can signal old stock or improper sealing, a concern over time that directly impacts downstream reliability and regulatory filings in pharma settings. Bulk density, refractive index, and melting point (if crystallized) all provide further assurance for quality control. I often see scientists run side-by-side checks with supplier documentation to catch issues before starting multi-step reactions—mistakes at this stage waste time and rare reagents, so close attention pays off.
Ethyl 5-iodovalerate deserves careful handling. Iodinated compounds carry specific hazards, with toxicity and irritancy both playing a role. It readily penetrates gloves and skin, raising health risks for anyone who becomes complacent. Exposure can irritate eyes and mucous membranes; long-term exposure risks aren’t fully defined, often prompting extra caution. The compound falls under GHS hazardous labeling for acute toxicity and environmental impact, so local regulations often require spill mitigation plans and fume hood use during any significant transfer or reaction step. Over the years, I have seen more than one incident where substitutes for standard nitrile gloves allowed trace transfer, highlighting the value of double-gloving and splash protection.
As a source of both an ester and a terminal iodine, ethyl 5-iodovalerate offers remarkable utility. The iodine atom activates the neighboring carbon for nucleophilic substitution, a backbone technique in building more complex materials. Broadly, this makes the compound a building block in coupling chemistry, particularly in introducing iodine into specialized aromatic or heterocyclic rings. For those who work with radioisotope labeling, the heavy iodine core allows for quick conversion to radiolabeled precursors, supporting medical imaging and diagnostic agent synthesis. Lab protocols and risk assessments for this molecule should always consider its tendency to form low-level volatile iodine species upon decomposition, prompting good ventilation and prompt disposal of waste materials.
For customs and international shipping, ethyl 5-iodovalerate most commonly ships under the Harmonized System (HS) code for iodinated organic chemicals, which generally falls within 2915 or 2931 subsections, depending on local guidelines and intended end use. Careful attention to documentation matters for both legal and safety reasons. Tariffs and import regulations can impact both pricing and storage timelines—a challenge many purchasing teams must solve before planning downstream batch manufacturing. Based on direct import and shipping experience, delays caused by misclassification often cost weeks in project time.
Industrial chemists and pharmaceutical researchers rely on ethyl 5-iodovalerate as a precursor for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients, radio-contrast agents, and specialty polymers. In fields like organic electronics, the controlled introduction of iodine atoms brings benefits in conductivity and functional group placement. As technology and regulatory landscapes shift, sourcing high-purity, well-documented raw materials carries greater importance. In my role supporting R&D teams, the feedback is universal: any variability in starting material ripples down the process, from pilot-scale experiments to kilogram batches and regulatory submissions. This experience reinforces a simple lesson—start with the best material possible and double-check every shipment, because even small differences reveal themselves in the final analysis.
