Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the iodate ion?

• A. I2O3-
• B. IO2-
• C. IO4-
• D. IO3-

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the iodate ion is a polyatomic ion containing iodine and oxygen atoms with a specific charge.
2. Recall that the iodate ion is derived from iodine and oxygen, and its chemical formula is commonly known in chemistry as IO3-.
3. Analyze the options given: I2O3- suggests two iodine atoms, which is not typical for the iodate ion; IO2- corresponds to the iodite ion; IO4- corresponds to the periodate ion.
4. Recognize that the iodate ion has one iodine atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and carries a -1 charge, which matches the formula IO3-.
5. Conclude that the correct chemical formula for the iodate ion is IO3-.