Periodic acid

Periodic Acid is a high-oxidation-state oxoacid of iodine, in the periodic table of elements. It is often used in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Chemical Structure

Periodic Acid has the chemical formula HIO4. It is an oxoacid of iodine, and exists in two forms: orthoperiodic acid, with the chemical formula H5IO6, and metaperiodic acid, which has the chemical formula HIO4. The orthoperiodic acid is the fully hydrated form of the metaperiodic acid.

Production

Periodic acid is typically produced through the oxidation of Iodine with Chlorine in an aqueous solution. The reaction can be represented as follows:

5 I2 + 10 Cl2 + 20 H2O → 10 HIO4 + 10 HCl

Uses

Periodic acid is most commonly used in organic chemistry as an oxidizing agent. It is particularly useful in the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, which is used in histology for the detection of glycogen and other polysaccharides in tissues. It is also used in the cleavage of 1,2-diols to produce dialdehydes in the Malaprade reaction.

Safety

Like many oxidizing agents, periodic acid can be hazardous. It can cause burns on skin and eyes, and is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this chemical.

See Also

• Oxoacid
• Iodine
• Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain
• Malaprade reaction