The correct formula for iodic acid is

The correct formula for iodic acid is

The correct answer and explanation is :

Correct Formula for Iodic Acid:

The correct chemical formula for iodic acid is HIO₃.


Explanation:

1. Understanding Iodic Acid

Iodic acid is a strong acid composed of hydrogen (H), iodine (I), and oxygen (O). It belongs to the oxyacids of iodine, meaning it contains oxygen in addition to hydrogen and iodine.

2. How the Formula is Derived

The oxidation state of iodine in HIO₃ is +5. This is because oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2, and hydrogen has +1. To balance the oxidation states, iodine must have +5 to ensure that the total charge in the molecule remains neutral.

3. Structure and Properties

  • The molecular structure of HIO₃ consists of a central iodine atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, with one hydroxyl (-OH) group attached.
  • Iodic acid is highly soluble in water and strongly acidic.
  • It is an oxidizing agent and can be reduced to iodous acid (HIO₂) or iodine.

4. Uses of Iodic Acid

  • Analytical Chemistry: Used as a reagent in iodometric titrations.
  • Medicine & Disinfection: Acts as a source of iodine.
  • Industrial Applications: Involved in the production of iodates and oxidation reactions.

5. Comparison with Other Iodine Acids

  • Hypoiodous Acid (HIO): Contains iodine in the +1 oxidation state.
  • Iodous Acid (HIO₂): Contains iodine in the +3 oxidation state.
  • Iodic Acid (HIO₃): Contains iodine in the +5 oxidation state.
  • Periodic Acid (HIO₄ or H₅IO₆): Contains iodine in the +7 oxidation state.

Here is the 3D molecular structure of iodic acid (HIO₃). The image represents the ball-and-stick model, showing the central iodine (purple) atom bonded to three oxygen (red) atoms, with one hydroxyl (-OH) group.

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