OTC Source of Sodium Metaperiodate

Sodium periodate is a useful oxidizer with the formula NaIO4. (It actually exists in two forms, the meta- and the ortho-, but here we will only be dealing with the meta-version). It can even oxidise trivalent chromium all the way to hexavalent chromium. Although this chemical can be prepared using chlorine and sodium iodate, it requires the generation of large amounts of chlorine gas which may be inconvenient. But surprisingly, it can be found cheaply OTC as Autostrip Powder.

This discovery occurred totally on accident, I was visiting Taobao (Chinese version of eBay) and was looking for some printer parts. But that seller also happened to have this powder in stock. I didn't know what autostrip powder is at the time, but being a chemist the oxidising symbol immediately drew my attention. Upon clicking into the listing, I was met with the words: "UN1479 Oxidizing Solid N.O.S. (Sodium Metaperiodate) EC No: 232-197-6". More intrigued than ever, I hastily looked up the MSDS of a similar product which stated 60-100% sodium metaperiodate. Digging deeper I found the technical sheet for this particular brand of autostrip powder and under disposal methods it mentioned that this product is in fact 100% sodium metaperiodate. The 100g packet cost $2.50 ($4 including shipping) so this is a pretty cheap source.