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

Category:Hypohalous acids
Category:Iodine compounds