Iodine occurs in mony oxidation states, includin iodide (I−), iodate (IO− 3), an the various periodate anions. It is the least abundant o the stable halogens, bein the saxty-first maist abundant element. It is even less abundant nor the sae-cried rare yirds. It is the hiviest essential mineral nutrient. Iodine is essential in the synthesis o thyroid hormones.[3]Iodine deficiency affects aboot twa billion fowk an is the leadin preventable cause o intellectual disabilities.
The dominant producers o iodine the day are Chile an Japan. Iodine an its compoonds are primarily uised in nutreetion. Due tae its heich atomic nummer an ease o attachment tae organic compoonds, it haes an aw found favour as a nan-toxic radiocontrast material. Acause o the speceeficity o its uptak bi the human bouk, radioactive isotopes o iodine can an aw be uised tae treat thyroid cancer. Iodine is an aw uised as a catalyst in the industrial production o acetic acid an some polymers.