Understanding The Charge And Chemical States Of Iodine: Its Impact On Reactivity And Biological Functions
The charge of iodine depends on its chemical state: as an atom, it is neutral; as an ion, it typically carries a -1 charge (I⁻). This negative charge results from the gain of an electron, which fills the outermost electron shell of the iodine atom and makes it stable. Iodine’s electronegativity, or tendency to attract electrons, determines its ability to form the I⁻ ion, which is essential for its chemical reactivity and role in biological processes.
