1. Product Overview
Sodium periodate (NaIO₄) is a white crystalline salt of periodic acid in which iodine is in its highest oxidation state (+7) — a powerful yet selective oxidizing agent. It is the reagent of the classic Malaprade reaction (1928), the oxidative cleavage of 1,2-diols (vicinal diols) to aldehydes and ketones, and one of the most reliable oxidizing tools in organic and carbohydrate chemistry.
Beyond the Malaprade cleavage, sodium periodate drives the Lemieux–Johnson oxidative cleavage of alkenes, selectively oxidizes cis-glycols in carbohydrates to dialdehydes (the basis of dialdehyde starch and cellulose), labels glycoproteins through their cis-diol groups, and serves as a standard oxidant in analytical chemistry. One salt, the selective scalpel of oxidation chemistry.
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Sodium periodate (Sodium metaperiodate) |
Synonyms | Sodium metaperiodate; Periodic acid, sodium salt; NaIO₄ |
CAS No. | 7790-28-5 (metaperiodate); 13940-38-0 (orthoperiodate Na₅IO₆) |
EC No. (EINECS) | 232-197-6 |
Molecular Formula | NaIO₄ |
Molecular Weight | 213.89 g/mol |
HS Code | 2829.90 (other iodates and periodates; 8-digit code may vary by destination) |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Solubility | Soluble in water (≈ 9 – 13.5 g/100 ml at 25 °C); slightly soluble in alcohols |
Assay | ≥ 99.0% (typical) |
3. Chemistry & Mechanism
Sodium periodate carries iodine in the +7 oxidation state as the periodate ion (IO₄⁻). Its signature reaction — the Malaprade cleavage — proceeds through a cyclic periodate ester: the periodate first complexes the two adjacent hydroxyls of a 1,2-diol, then oxidatively cleaves the carbon–carbon bond, releasing two carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and/or ketones) and iodate. Because the reaction requires vicinal diols, it is highly selective and proceeds under mild, usually aqueous, conditions.
The same selectivity applies to cis-glycols in carbohydrates (converting them to dialdehydes) and, with catalytic osmium tetroxide, to the oxidative cleavage of alkenes (Lemieux–Johnson oxidation).
4. Key Features & Benefits
● Mild and selective oxidation: cleaves vicinal diols and cis-glycols without touching other functional groups.
● Proven Malaprade performance: the classic reagent of 1,2-diol cleavage to aldehydes and ketones.
● Aqueous compatibility: reactions run cleanly in water — simple workup and green chemistry profile.
● Versatile oxidation toolkit: diol cleavage, Lemieux–Johnson alkene oxidation, carbohydrate and glycoprotein chemistry.
● Industrial carbohydrate value: route to dialdehyde starch and dialdehyde cellulose for paper, adhesive
● Analytical reliability: a standard oxidant for quantitative periodate-oxidation methods.
● Cost-effective reagent: high reactivity at economical dosage (Alfa Chemistry).
5. Main Applications
5.1 Organic Synthesis Oxidation (Core Application)
Sodium periodate is a cornerstone oxidant of synthetic chemistry:
● Malaprade cleavage: oxidative cleavage of 1,2-diols to aldehydes and/or ketones;
● Lemieux–Johnson oxidation: with catalytic OsO₄, oxidative cleavage of alkenes to carbonyls;
● Carbohydrate and natural-product chemistry: selective oxidation of sugar and polyol motifs;
● Modern methodology: C–H activation, heterocyclic synthesis and cascade oxidations (ChemicalBook 2026 review).
5.2 Carbohydrate & Cellulose Chemistry
● Dialdehyde starch: periodate oxidation of starch for wet-strength paper, adhesives
● Dialdehyde cellulose: oxidized cellulose for absorbable and functional materials;
● Glycoprotein labeling: selective oxidation of terminal cis-diols in glycans for bioconjugation;
● Polysaccharide modification: controlled periodate oxidation of gums and biopolymers.
5.3 Analytical Chemistry
● Periodate-oxidation methods: quantitative determination of glycerol, glycols and sugars;
● Chromatographic analysis: oxidizing reagent in HPLC and ion chromatography;
● Standard oxidant: reference reagent for redox and iodometric analysis.
5.4 Specialty & Industrial Applications
● Nutrition and health products: intermediate in specialty processing;
● Oxidation catalysis: periodate-based catalytic systems in modern synthesis;
● Laboratory and research: universal oxidizing agent in academic and industrial labs.
6. Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● 25 kg fiber drum with PE liner, 25 kg multi-wall bag, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC;
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture pick-up and caking;
● Store away from reducing agents, combustible materials and organics (strong oxidizer — fire hazard);
● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.
7. Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
8. FAQ
Q1: What is sodium periodate used for?
Sodium periodate is a selective oxidizing agent used for the Malaprade oxidative cleavage of 1,2-diols to aldehydes/ketones, the Lemieux–Johnson cleavage of alkenes, selective oxidation of carbohydrates (dialdehyde starch and cellulose), glycoprotein labeling, and analytical periodate-oxidation methods.
Q2: What is the difference between sodium periodate and periodic acid?
They are the salt and the acid of the same periodate chemistry. Sodium periodate (NaIO₄) is a stable, water-soluble solid that is easy to weigh and dose, making it the practical choice for most aqueous oxidations; periodic acid (HIO₄) is used where the acid medium itself matters or in non-aqueous protocols. The oxidative selectivity is the same.
Q3: Is sodium periodate safe to handle?
Sodium periodate is a strong oxidizer: contact with reducing agents, combustibles or organics can cause fire or explosion, and it is irritating to skin, eyes and airways. Use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation, store it separately from oxidizable materials, and handle spills with care. It is an industrial chemical, not a food ingredient.