Qualitative Analysis - Test for Phosphorus

Description:

• The organic compound is heated with an oxidizing agent (sodium peroxide, Na₂O₂ or a mixture of sodium carbonate and potassium nitrate).

• Phosphorus is oxidized to phosphate.

• The solution is boiled with HNO₃ and then treated with ammonium molybdate.

• A yellow precipitate shows the presence of phosphorus.

Na₃PO₄ + 3HNO₃ → H₃PO₄ + 3NaNO₃