Hypoiodous acid

Hypoiodous acid (HIO) forms hypoiodite (IO^-) salts when reacted with bases. It is a weak acid.

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Hypoiodous acid can be easily formed from mixing elemental diatomic iodine with water by the following reaction:

I₂ + H₂O --> HI + HIO

In theory, HIO should be a powerful disinfectant as it is the iodine analogue to the hypochlorous acid formed when mixing chlorine with water. HIO is likely the active ingredient responsible for disinfection by iodine solutions used in the medical profession such as betadine or povidone iodine.