periodic acid (HIO ₄) is an important inorganic strong acid that has a wide range of applications as an oxidant in various scientific and industrial fields. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the characteristics of this special compound and its important applications in various fields.
Chemical properties of periodic acid
Periodate is the highest oxidation state oxygen-containing acid of iodine (+7 valence), usually present in colorless crystals or white powder form. It has the following significant characteristics:
Strong oxidizing ability: With a standard reduction potential of up to 1.6V, it can oxidize various organic and inorganic compounds
Water solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming a colorless solution
Thermal instability: will decompose when heated above about 100 ° C
Acidity: belongs to strong acid, completely dissociates in aqueous solution
Main application areas
1. Applications in Analytical Chemistry
(1) Malaprade reaction
The most famous application of periodic acid is in the chemical analysis of carbohydrates. It can specifically oxidize and break adjacent diol structures (such as cis diols in carbohydrate molecules) to generate corresponding aldehydes or ketones. This reaction is widely used for:
-Analysis of polysaccharide structure
-Determination of sugar chain structure in glycoproteins
-Nucleotide sequence analysis
(2) Organic compound determination
The periodate oxidation method can be used to determine:
-Glycerol and its esters content
-Alpha amino acid content
-Certain phenolic compounds
2. Applications in Materials Science
(1) Electronic industry
-Surface treatment of semiconductor materials
-Micro etching of printed circuit boards (PCBs)
-Electronic component cleaning
(2) Metal processing
-Surface passivation treatment of stainless steel
-Metal surface cleaning and pretreatment
-Oxidation steps in electroplating process
3. Biomedical field
(1) Histological staining
The periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining method is an important technique in pathological diagnosis:
-Used for detecting polysaccharides and glycoproteins in tissues
-Display of basement membrane, fungal cell wall and other structures
-Auxiliary diagnosis of certain tumors
(2) Biomolecular markers
-Analysis of protein glycosylation sites
-Research on sugar complexes on cell surface
4. Applications in organic synthesis
As a selective oxidant, it participates in various organic reactions:
-Cis dihydroxylation of olefins
-Selective oxidation of alcohols
-Removal reactions of certain protective groups
Safety precautions
Attention should be paid when using periodic acid:
1. Corrosivity: Strong corrosiveness to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
2. Oxidation hazard: Contact with organic matter may cause fire or explosion
3. Storage requirements: Keep away from light, sealed, and in a cool place
4. Personal protection: During experimental operations, protective goggles, gloves, and protective clothing should be worn
With the advancement of analytical techniques and the development of materials science, the application fields of periodic acid are still expanding
Nanomaterial synthesis: as an oxidant involved in the preparation of certain nanomaterials
New analytical techniques: combined with modern analytical instruments such as mass spectrometry
Green Chemistry: Developing a more environmentally friendly process for recycling and reusing periodic acid
Periodate, as an efficient and specific oxidant, plays an irreplaceable role in various fields from basic research to industrial production.
Post time: Apr-10-2025