Hypoiodous acid

Hypoiodous acid is a chemical compound. It is also an acid. Its chemical formula is HIO. It has hydrogen and hypoiodite ions in it.

Properties

Hypoiodous acid is very unstable. It easily disproportionates to iodine and iodic acid. It is a disinfectant and oxidizing agent.

Preparation

It is made by reacting mercury(II) oxide with iodine.

Uses

It is too unstable to be used, although people think that this is what makes iodine a disinfectant.

Related pages

• Iodic acid
• Periodic acid