ABSTRACT
The oxidation of α-glycols, polyhydroxy compounds with periodate in aqueous solution, is an unequivocal, fast, and selective reaction. The reaction is interpreted by assuming the cleavage of the bond between the carbon atoms bearing the two vicinal periodate-active groups and attaching a hydroxyl group to both of them. Polyoxy compounds are oxidized by periodate in a multistep reaction. By measuring the excess of periodate and the stable products of oxidation (formaldehyde, formic acid), the weight ratio of two known polyalcohols in a mixture can be determined. By burning the halogen-containing organic sample in an oxygen atmosphere, the halogens are transformed into the corresponding hydrogen halides.
