Rhodium-Catalyzed Generation of Anhydrous Hydrogen Iodide: An Effective Method for the Preparation of Iodoalkanes

The preparation of anhydrous hydrogen iodide directly from molecular hydrogen and iodine using a rhodium catalyst is reported for the first time. The anhydrous hydrogen iodide generated was proven to be highly active in the transformations of alkenes, phenyl aldehydes, alcohols, and cyclic ethers to the corresponding iodoalkanes. Therefore, the present methodology not only has provided convenient access to anhydrous hydrogen iodide but also offers a practical preparation method for various iodoalkanes in excellent atom economy.