Question

Which one of the following is the true covalent oxide of iodine ?

• A. $I_2O_4$
• B. $I_2O_5$
• C. $I_2O_7$
• D. $I_2O_9$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$I_2O_5$

Answer 2

In general, higher the oxidation state, more is the covalent character of the oxide. $I_2O_7$ and $I_2O_9$ do not exist. $I_2O_4$ is ionic in nature. It is infact iodyl iodate $[IO]^+, [IO_3]^-$. The only covalent oxide of iodine is $I_2O_5$.