The stability of dissolved inorganic species of iodine in seawater

An oxidation state diagram was used to study the relative stability of inorganic iodine species in an aqueous system. It is shown that although iodate is the most stable form, iodide may exist as a metastable form in a basic solution. Molecular iodine may undergo disproportionation to form iodide and iodate. Results from laboratory studies suggest that molecular iodine is rapidly taken up by seawater, and hypoiodite is probably formed. Hypoiodite is also unstable in seawater, and may react with organic matter or undergo autodecomposition. Direct reactions between molecular iodine and organic matter were not observed.