What is a hypoidite anion?

A hypoidite anion is a very unstable, negatively charged ion that is created when an aqueous solution of iodine is treated with mercuric or silver salts. The substance that results from the reaction also is known as hypoidous acid.

Atoms carry neutrons, which have no charge, along with equal numbers of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons. An ion, alternatively, has unequal numbers of protons and electrons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. Creating an ion from an atom or molecule is known as ionization. A cation is a positively charged ion, as opposed to the negatively charged anion.