Question
How will you detect the presence of phosphorus in an organic compound?
Solution
Ammonium molybdate test: The organic compound is fused with a mixture of sodium carbonate and potassium nitrate. Phosphorus present is oxidised to sodium phosphate.
The residue is extracted with water, boiled with some concentrated nitric acid, and then a hot solution of freshly prepared ammonium molybdate is added to it in excess. Formation of yellow precipitate or colouration indicates the presence of phosphorus in the given organic compound.
