Abstract: The invention comprises a linear or branched polymer derivative comprising a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone that incorporates an optionally protected vicinal diol, which is either embedded in the polymer backbone or is attached as a pendant group, wherein each linking group (linker) between the polymer backbone and the vicinal diol is a chain comprising at least two adjacent saturated carbon atoms. The invention further comprises a method of using said polymer derivative to form an aldehyde and either a second aldehyde or a ketone by way of oxidative cleavage.