Final Answer:
Sodium periodate's correct structure is represented by option b, NaIO₃, comprising one sodium ion (Na⁺), one iodine atom (I), and three oxygen atoms (O).
Step-by-step explanation:
Sodium periodate's chemical formula is NaIO₃. Periodates are salts of periodic acid (HIO₄), where the hydrogen ion (H⁺) is replaced by a metal cation, in this case, sodium (Na⁺). The chemical formula NaIO₃ indicates one sodium ion (Na⁺), one iodine atom (I), and three oxygen atoms (O), forming sodium periodate.
In sodium periodate (NaIO₃), the sodium ion (Na⁺) has a charge of +1, while the iodine atom (I) has a charge of -1, and each oxygen atom (O) has a charge of -2. Knowing that the overall charge of the compound must be neutral, the charges of the ions balance each other. Sodium (Na⁺) provides one positive charge, while the combination of one iodine atom and three oxygen atoms (-1 × 1 + (-2) × 3 = 0) contributes one negative charge, resulting in a balanced compound with the formula NaIO₃.
Sodium periodate's specific structure involves one sodium ion (Na⁺) bonded to one iodine atom (I) and three oxygen atoms (O). The sodium cation forms an ionic bond with the negatively charged IO₃ group, composed of one iodine atom and three oxygen atoms. This compound is commonly utilized in organic synthesis and as an oxidizing agent due to its ability to cleave vicinal diols (adjacent hydroxyl groups) in organic molecules. The balanced charges and stable structure of NaIO₃ make it a useful compound in various chemical processes.correct option is b).