Orthoiodic

Orthoiodic acid is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula HIO4. It is a strong oxidizing agent. It is sometimes referred to as periodic acid, though this term can also refer to the parent acid, H5IO6. Orthoiodic acid is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It is a relatively unstable compound and can decompose upon heating. Orthoiodic acid is primarily known for its role as a precursor to other periodate compounds. These periodate salts, such as sodium periodate (NaIO4), are also powerful oxidizers and find applications in organic synthesis, particularly for the cleavage of vicinal diols. The preparation of orthoiodic acid typically involves the oxidation of iodates with strong oxidizing agents. Historically, it was one of the first compounds in which iodine exhibited its maximum oxidation state.