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Hypoiodite facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Hypoiodite is a special type of tiny particle called an ion. Its chemical formula is IO-. This means it's made of one iodine atom and one oxygen atom, and it has a negative electrical charge.

Hypoiodite is very unstable, which means it doesn't last long. It quickly changes into other substances. For example, it can turn into iodide (another ion) and iodate (yet another ion) in a process called disproportionation. You can make hypoiodite by mixing iodine with a base, which is a type of chemical that is the opposite of an acid. In hypoiodite, the iodine atom has a +1 oxidation state, which describes how many electrons it has gained or lost. Hypoiodite is also known as the salt of hypoiodous acid.

What is an Ion?

An ion is an atom or a group of atoms that has an electric charge. Atoms usually have an equal number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge), so they are neutral. But if an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. If it gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged, like hypoiodite (IO-). If it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged.

How Hypoiodite is Made

Hypoiodite is formed when iodine (a chemical element you might know from antiseptics) reacts with a base. A base is a chemical compound that can accept hydrogen ions. Common bases include things like baking soda or soap. When iodine meets a base, a chemical reaction happens that creates the unstable hypoiodite ion.

Why is Hypoiodite Unstable?

Hypoiodite is unstable because the iodine atom in it is in an unusual oxidation state of +1. Atoms prefer to be in more stable states, so the hypoiodite ion quickly tries to change. It does this by undergoing a process called disproportionation. This means the hypoiodite ion splits and changes into two different substances:

  • Iodide: This is an iodine ion with a -1 charge (I-).
  • Iodate: This is an ion made of iodine and oxygen, with a -1 charge (IO3-).

So, the single hypoiodite ion changes into two different iodine-containing ions, making it very reactive and short-lived.

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Hypoiodite Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.