It is a pale yellow, crystalline, volatile substance, with a penetrating and distinctive odor (in older chemistry texts, the smell is sometimes referred to as that of hospitals, where the compound is still commonly used) and, analogous to chloroform, sweetish taste.

The name iodoform originates with the "formyle radical," an archaic term for the HC moiety,[citation needed] and is retained for historical consistency.

The "hydride" in the latter is sometimes omitted,[2] though the IUPAC recommends against doing so, as "carbon triiodide" could also mean C2I6 (hexaiodoethane, a highly unstable compound).

The synthesis of iodoform was first described by Georges-Simon Serullas in 1822, by reactions of iodine vapour with steam over red-hot coals, and also by reaction of potassium with ethanolic iodine in the presence of water;[6] and at much the same time independently by John Thomas Cooper.

Upon heating iodoform decomposes to produce diatomic iodine, hydrogen iodide gas, and carbon.