What is calcium iodate?

Calcium iodate is a common food additive that is found in such products as dough and chicken feed. It is represented by the chemical formula "Ca(IO3)2" and contains one atom of calcium, two atoms of iodine and six atoms of oxygen.

Calcium iodate is produced from a reaction containing an ion of calcium with a positive two charge and an iodate ion containing a charge of negative one. It has a molar mass of 389.88 grams per mole and a density of 4.52 grams per cubic centimeter. Calcium iodate is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration, and is sometimes used as an antiseptic.