[5] It is an odourless yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in benzene and chloroform, and insoluble in water.

[9] Tetraiodoethylene turns brown and emits a "characteristic" odour due to decomposition when exposed to light.

[10] It was an alternative to iodoform[10] which has a strong and persistent odour that caused difficulties for physicians in private practices.

[1] The action of aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide and iodine on barium carbide in chloroform or benzene can also give TIE.

[10] Another synthesis involves mixing separate solutions of diiodoacetylene and iodine in carbon disulphide.