Periodate Oxidation of Diol and Other Functional Groups: Analytical and Structural Applications deals with the chemistry of organic periodate oxidations with special reference to the study of carbohydrates, along with their analytical and structural applications. This book explores the mechanistic aspects of the periodate reaction; its historical development; the nature of the so-called anomalous reactions; and some of the synthetic uses of periodate oxidation. This book is comprised of seven chapters and opens with a historical background on periodate oxidation, followed by a discussion on the preparation and properties of periodates. The reader is then introduced to the mechanism of periodate oxidation, with particular reference to 1,2-diols and 1,2-hydroxycarbonyl compounds as well as 1,2-diketones, 1,2-aminoalcohols, and active methylene groups. The remaining chapters consider the structure of carbohydrates and related materials; anomalous periodate oxidations; the analytical aspects and applications of periodate oxidation; and a number of tested and generally well-tried analytical procedures such as the Fleury-Lange method, Malaprade method, ion exchange, and spectrophotometric and polarographic techniques. This monograph will be a useful resource for organic chemists and advanced undergraduate students of chemistry.