New tests for the detection of azide.
Two new, simple, reliable, and specific colour tests are described for the detection of azide. In one, the azide is heated with allyl isothiocyanate and water to form 1-allyl-2-tetrazoline-5-thione in solution; the latter gives a yellow precipitate on treatment with bismuth nitrate solution. Pyridine enhances the intensity of the colour. The allyl isothiocyanate can be produced in situ by treating allylamine with carbon disulphide, diethylamine and hydrogen peroxide. In the other test the azide is heated with carbon disulphide, water and acetone, resulting in the formation of 1,2,3,4-thiatriazoline-5-thione which gives a yellow precipitate with Cu(II) or Bi(III). Pyridine again enhances the colour. The method is applicable to 5-10 mg of soluble azides, but insoluble azides cannot be tested. CN(-), SCN(-), and other common anions do not interfere. Only S(-2) interferes by masking the colour (black CuS or Bi(2)S(3) is precipitated). NO(2)(-) in larger amounts interferes in the second test.
Johar
G S
GS
Department of Chemistry V.S.S.D. College Kanpur-2, India.