Iodous acid is the chemical compound with the formula HIO2. Its salts are named iodites; these are exceedingly unstable and have been observed but never isolated. They will rapidly disproportionate to molecular iodine and iodates.
Other oxyacids Iodous acid is part of a series of oxyacids in which iodine can assume oxidation states of −1, +1, +3, +5, or +7. A number of neutral iodine oxides are also known.
Iodine oxidation state −1 +1 +3 +5 +7 Name Hydrogen iodide Hypoiodous acid Iodous acid Iodic acid Periodic acid Formula HI HIO HIO2 HIO3 HIO4 or H5IO6
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