An iodate is a salt of iodic acid.[1] In the iodate anion, iodine is bonded to three oxygen atoms and the molecular formula is IO3-. The molecular geometry of iodate is trigonal pyramid.
Iodates are a class of chemical compounds containing this group. Examples are sodium iodate (NaIO3), silver iodate (AgIO3), and calcium iodate (Ca(IO3)2). Iodates resemble chlorates with chlorine instead of iodine.
In acid conditions, iodic acid is formed. Potassium hydrogen iodate (KH(IO3)2) is a double salt of potassium iodate and iodic acid and an acid as well. Iodates are used in the iodine clock reaction
Potassium iodate (KIO3) is a chemical compound. It is sometimes used in radiation treatment, as it can replace radioactive iodine from the thyroid. See potassium iodide for more information on this use.
Like potassium bromate, potassium iodate is occasionally used as a maturing agent in baking. Potassium iodate is an oxidizing agent and as such it can cause fires if in contact with combustible materials or reducing agents. It can be prepared by reacting a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide with iodic acid, for example:
HIO3 + KOH ? KIO3 + H2O
It can also be prepared by adding iodine to a hot, concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide.
Sodium iodate(NaIO3) is a chemical compound. Sodium iodate is an oxidizing agent and as such it can cause fires if in contact with combustible materials or reducing agents. It can be prepared by reacting a sodium-containing base such as sodium hydroxide with iodic acid, for example:
HIO3 + KOH KIO3 + H2O
It can also be prepared by adding iodine to a hot, concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide.
3 I2 + 6 KOH KIO3 + 5 KI + 3 H2O
It is slightly soluble in water (one of the less soluble of potassium salts, owing to a large anion), giving rise to a solution that is slightly alkaline. On heating (especially with manganese(IV) oxide as catalyst), it decomposes to form potassium iodate, releasing oxygen gas.
Calcium iodate (also called lautarite) is a compound of calcium and iodate anion. Its formula is Ca(IO3)2. It is used as a dough conditioner. Calcium iodate is an oxidant added to lotions and ointments as an antiseptic and deodorant.[1].
