periodic acid /ˌpɜːɹaɪˈɒdɪk ˈæsɪd/ noun1 •HIO₄ or H₅IO₆, the oxyacids of iodine in which iodine has the highest oxidation number; H₅IO₆ is a white crystalline substance (HIO₄ is not stable), and both are strong oxidizing agents. formsperiodic acids