Potassium hypoiodite, KOI

The Potassium hypoiodite, KOI has not been isolated, but is formed in aqueous solution by the interaction of iodine and a dilute solution of potassium hydroxide:

I₂ + 2KOH = KOI + KI + H₂O.

The solution is employed in analysis as an oxidizer, the hypoiodite being reduced to iodide. It is unstable, one part of the hypoiodite undergoing oxidation at the expense of the remainder:

3KOI = KIO₃ + 2KI.