Uses in Qualitative Analysis
Examples of simple tests are shown below that rely on the production of the molybdenum blue colour either due to reduction:
- tests for Sn(II) Sb(III)
- tests for organic reducing agents
or by detection of the heteroatom
- silicate
- phosphate
Dittmer's spray reagent for phospholipids is used in thin layer chromatography to detect phospholipids. The spray reagent is prepared as follows:
- Molybdenum(VI) oxide, MoO3, is dissolved in sulfuric acid
- A second solution is made up from molybdenum metal dissolved in some of the first solution.
- The spray is made up of a diluted mixture of the first and second solutions.
When applied to the TLC plate, compounds containing phosphate ester show up immediately as blue spots.
Read more about this topic: Molybdenum Blue
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