Iodine oxide

Many have been detected in the atmosphere and are believed to be particularly important in the marine boundary layer.

[6] The compound appears to be highly unstable but can react with alkenes to give halogenated products.

They are formed, in very small quantities, in the marine boundary layer by the photooxidation of diiodomethane, which is produced by macroalga such as seaweed or through the oxidation of molecular iodine, produced by the reaction of gaseous ozone and iodide present at the seasurface.

[4][8] Despite the small quantities produced (typically below ppt) they are thought to be powerful ozone depletion agents.

[11] Iodine oxides also form negatively charged anions, which (associated with complementary cations) are components of acids or salts.