Laser action has been demonstrated for the P-2(1/2)-P-2(3/2) transition of iodine atom pumped by energy transfer from NCl(a(1)Delta) produced by a set of amine-based, all gas-phase chemical reactions. Continuous-wave laser output of 50 mW with 40% duty factor is obtained from a stable optical resonator consisting of two 99.99% reflective mirrors. The observed laser characteristics are reasonably explained by numerical model calculations. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.