Sodium periodate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaIO4. It is usually found in the form of colorless or white crystals. It is a strong oxidizing agent that slowly decomposes in an aqueous solution and releases oxygen. Sodium periodate has a wide range of applications in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, and medical fields.

Sodium periodate has a variety of uses, especially in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry and medicine. Here are some of the main uses of sodium periodate:

1. Chemical synthesis: Sodium periodate is used as an oxidant in organic chemical synthesis, especially when selective oxidation reactions are required, such as oxidizing alcohols to aldehydes or ketones without further oxidation to carboxylic acids. It is also used for the oxidation of aromatic compounds, such as the oxidation of phenols to phenolic.

2. Analytical chemistry: In analytical chemistry, sodium periodate is used to determine the content of reducing substances, which is quantitatively analyzed by titration.

3. Sterilization and disinfection: Sodium periodate has the effect of sterilization and disinfection, so it is used as a disinfectant and fungicide in medicine and laboratories.

4. Paper industry: Sodium periodate is used as a bleach agent in the paper industry to improve the whiteness of pulp.

5. Radioisotope production: Sodium periodate can be used to produce certain radioisotopes such as iodine-123 (^123I), which is used in nuclear medicine for tracing and imaging.

6. Food industry: Sodium periodate is sometimes used as a food additive, as an oxidizing agent or bleaching agent, but this is less common.

7. Textile Treatment: In the textile industry, sodium periodate can be used as an oxidizing agent for certain fibers to improve their dyeing properties.