The photochemistry of periodate and periodic acid in aqueous solution was studied (i) by quantum yield measurements at low light intensity (ii) by flash photolysis, and (iii) by photolysis of glassy samples at 77 K. The photochemical studies were supplemented with pulse radiolysis studies of aqueous periodate solutions and with kinetic studies using stopped-flow technique. In strongly alkaline solution the photodecomposition of periodate proceeds via formation of 0and I v I .At pH < 12 an additional primary process is the formation of IV and H202. In neutral solution 0 3 P is formed in a small yield. The energetics of the reaction of O'D with HzO with formation of H20z is discussed. It is suggested that oxygen atoms are formed only from 10; and not from other IVII species. Mechanisms for the secondary processes involving IvIII and IVI are given. IVIII and its relatively stable complex with IVII both form IV. IVII and 02. Depending on pH and concentration, IVI either disproportionates to I V and P I , reacts with IVII with formation of I V and P I 1 1 or dissociates into 0-(OH) and IV.Investigations of photodecomposition of the oxyanions XO,, n = 1-3 of chlorine, bromine and iodine in aqueous solution indicate that the primary reactions are one or more of reactions (1)-( 4) ?l v xo, -+ xo,*-1 + 0xo,--+ X O ~--~ + 0 3 ~ xs, + X0,Y-I + UID xo,; -+ xo,z+o2 hv EL V k v