Iodine chloride is formed when iodine is allowed to react with chlorine in a 1 : 1 stoichiometric ratio. The compound exists in two polymorphic forms. An α-form exists, which melts at 27.2 ºC and a β-form, which melts at 13.9 ºC. When the material is melted, then it only solidifies with difficulty, the temperature must go well below 13.9 ºC before the material solidifies. The solid form slowly transforms into the α-form which can be melted by with the heat of your hand.

The picture above shows an ampoule of iodine monochloride, which is partially molten. The liquid is very dark red/brown. There also is a clearly visible brown vapor above the liquid. Even at room temperature there is a visible vapor from this compound. The picture below shows a close-up of the liquid which also still has some of the solid in it.