Periodic acid () is a selective oxidizing agent used extensively in structural determination. Which — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Periodic acid ($HIO_4$) specifically cleaves the $C-C$ bond in compounds containing two or more $-OH$ or $C=O$ groups attached to adjacent (vicinal) carbon atoms. Ethane-1,2-diol (a vicinal diol) and 2-hydroxypropanal (vicinal $-OH$ and $C=O$) will be cleaved. Propane-1,3-diol is not vicinal, and propan-2-ol has only one functional group.