Summary: The content describes two methods for preparing methyl iodide. Method 1 uses methanol with potassium iodide and phosphoric acid. Method 2 uses iodine and red phosphorus in methanol, with an ice bath and controlled addition of phosphorus to keep temperatures below about 40°C. The mixture is heated to distill methyl iodide, yielding a pale yellow distillate. The crude product is worked up with aqueous washes, dried, and filtered to give a concentrated product. Reported yield is approximately 81% based on iodine. Storage notes mention using copper to remove residual iodine and amber glass for stability. The text notes methyl iodide as a versatile reagent and hints at use in forming methyl Grignard reagents.
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