Dess-Martin periodinane (DMP) is a hypervalent iodine compound widely used as a mild reagent for the oxidation of primary/secondary alcohols to aldehydes/ketones; oxidation of amides into imides; the dehydrogenation of amines to nitriles, and disulfides to sulfones. It is also used to selectively oxidize alkenes to epoxides. This is a useful reaction for generating three-membered cyclic ethers. Additionally, DMP is used to oxidatively cleave 1,2-diols to form aldehydes or ketones and in the synthesis of lactones.

Dess–Martin periodinane is used as an oxidizing agent:

• For 1° and 2° alcohols to aldehydes and ketones.
• In the synthesis of N-protected α-amino aldehydes from the corresponding N-protected β-amino alcohols.
• To synthesize alkynyl oxoaldehyde probe (AlkMGO).

Used for the oxidation of hydroxychlorins to chlorin-α-diones and tetraones.

Benefits of using DMP as an oxidizing reagent:

• milder reaction conditions (room temperature, neutral pH)
• shorter reaction times and higher yields      
• high chemoselectivity     
• tolerance of sensitive functional groups, and a long shelf life
• simplified workups