Ammonium iodide (CAS 12027-06-4)

Ammonium iodide, denoted by the chemical formula NH4I, is an inorganic compound that manifests as a white crystalline salt, highly soluble in water and hygroscopic in nature. This salt is formed by the reaction between ammonia and hydroiodic acid and is mainly used in the chemical and photographic industries. In the realm of chemical synthesis, ammonium iodide serves as a source of iodide ion, a reducing agent, and a nucleophile in various organic reactions. For instance, it is often used in the preparation of alkyl iodides from alcohols, where it acts by substituting a hydroxyl group with an iodide ion, a process facilitated by its iodide content. In research, ammonium iodide has been employed in studies focused on crystal growth and the properties of iodide-containing materials. Its ability to easily dissolve and subsequently release iodide ions makes it an ideal candidate for the synthesis and processing of iodide-based compounds in solid-state chemistry. Additionally, in the field of photovoltaics, ammonium iodide has been explored for its potential use in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells, where it contributes to the formation of the light-absorbing layer, crucial for the cell′s efficiency. This compound′s straightforward ionic nature and high solubility also make it a useful reagent in various laboratory protocols, aiding in the synthesis and analysis of complex chemical systems.