Potassium periodate is widely used in organic synthesis as a strong oxidizing agent, particularly for converting alcohols to aldehydes or ketones. It is also employed in analytical chemistry for the determination of manganese and other metals through redox titrations. In biochemistry, it serves as a tool for cleaving glycoproteins and glycolipids by selectively oxidizing vicinal diols. Additionally, it is utilized in the preparation of iodates and other iodine-containing compounds, which have applications in various industrial processes. Its role in the synthesis of specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals further highlights its versatility in chemical research and manufacturing.