Periodic acid (CAS 10450-60-9)

Periodic acid, with the CAS number 10450-60-9, is an inorganic compound notable for its strong oxidizing properties, typically existing in the form of colorless crystals. Chemically expressed as HIO4 or H5IO6 for its hydrated form, periodic acid is widely utilized in research primarily due to its ability to cleave vicinal diols into aldehydes or ketones. This reaction mechanism involves the oxidative cleavage of C-C bonds in 1,2-diols, a process that is invaluable in structural analysis of carbohydrates, facilitating the determination of their ring structures and linkage positions. The utility of periodic acid extends beyond simple structural elucidation; it is also employed in the synthesis of complex organic molecules where selective oxidation can be critical. In research environments, periodic acid is used to modify saccharides by oxidizing exposed diol groups, which can then be further manipulated or probed for various biochemical studies. Additionally, its application is crucial in the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, a technique used in histology to detect polysaccharides such as glycogen in tissues. The action of periodic acid in these contexts underscores its role as a versatile reagent that aids significantly in both analytical and synthetic chemistry disciplines, providing insights into molecular structure and composition.