Question

Write the mechanism of the reaction of HI with methoxymethane.

Answer 1

The first and foremost step will be the methoxymethane protonation

CH3 - :O: - CH3 + H – I  CH3 - :O:H+ - CH3 + I-

In the next step, I- attack will occur – Nucleophilic

CH3 - :O:H+ - CH3 + I- -> [I…CH3…H:O:+-CH3]- -> CH3-I + CH3-OH

Hence Iodomethane and Methanol are formed

However, the temperature of the reaction will increase in case of higher excess of HI. This will result in the conversion of the HI molecule to methyl iodine.