Abstract
Although the Froehde reaction is widely used for alkaloid preliminary identification, there is no reaction mechanism in order to explain the reaction course and the end products. We found there can be two redox steps and we provide a reaction mechanism for both of them and give two routes for the second reaction. The chemical deportment of the reagent, molybdic acid and its derivatives is also discussed.
Highlights
Continuing our studies on organic reaction mechanisms [1,2,3,4,5], we turned our attention to the Froehde reaction [6] because the reactivity involved in this widely used colour test has not been cleared up.We provide a complete reaction mechanism covering each stage of two redox reactions
This is interesting since it includes the organic chemistry related to the substrate, especially alkaloids, as well as the chemical deportment of the inorganic reagent, molybdic acid
The Froehde reagent, prepared from molybdic acid or sodium molybdate dissolved in hot sulphuric acid, is reduced by phenols and diverse alkaloids
Summary
Continuing our studies on organic reaction mechanisms [1,2,3,4,5], we turned our attention to the Froehde reaction [6] because the reactivity involved in this widely used colour test has not been cleared up. We provide a complete reaction mechanism covering each stage of two redox reactions. This is interesting since it includes the organic chemistry related to the substrate, especially alkaloids, as well as the chemical deportment of the inorganic reagent, molybdic acid
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