The iodite ion, or iodine dioxide anion, is the halite with the chemical formula . Within the ion, the iodine exists in the oxidation state of +3.
Iodites (including iodous acid) are highly unstable and have been observed but never isolated. They will rapidly disproportionate to molecular iodine and iodates. However, they have been detected as intermediates in the conversion between iodide and iodate.
Iodine can assume oxidation states of âÂÂ1, +1, +3, +5, or +7. A number of neutral iodine oxides are also known.