What is periodic acid?

Periodic acid, with the chemical formula H5IO6, is a powerful oxidizing agent that is commonly used in organic chemistry reactions. It is a colorless solid at room temperature and is highly soluble in water.

Periodic acid is primarily used for the cleavage of vicinal diols (adjacent hydroxyl groups) in organic molecules, commonly in carbohydrate chemistry. When periodic acid reacts with a diol, it cleaves the carbon-carbon bond between the two hydroxyl groups, forming aldehydes or ketones.

In addition to its role in organic synthesis, periodic acid is also used as a stain in histology and microscopy to visualize certain cellular structures.

Although periodic acid is a useful reagent in chemical reactions, it is also highly toxic and corrosive. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this compound.