Simple synthesis of fresh alkyl iodides using alcohols and hydriodic acid

A simple synthesis of fresh alkyl iodides using alcohols and hydriodic acid (HI) is reported. The alkyl iodides were obtained in quick and easy work-up with good to excellent yields (66–94%) and very high purities (97–99%). Freshly prepared iodomethane and 1-iodobutane were applied to synthesize biologically relevant 3,7-dimethyladenine and 9-butyladenine, which were characterized thoroughly using 1D and 2D NMR, individually.