Selective colorimetric detection of carboxylic acids
Abstract
A selective colour reaction for the detection of carboxylic acids has been developed. Acetic anhydride in the presence of ammonium carbonate, sodium carbonate and the sodium salts of acetic, formic, oxalic and pyruvic acids is used as the reagent. Amongst 39 acids, citric, isocitric, α-ketoglutaric and oxaloacetic acids can be detected selectively.