Diphenylcarbazide

Diphenylcarbazide is a chemical compound used primarily as a reagent in various chemical reactions. It is a white, crystalline substance with the chemical formula C_13H_14N_4O.

Chemical Properties

Diphenylcarbazide is a carbazide derivative, which means it contains a carbazide group (-NH-NH-CO-NH_2) attached to two phenyl rings. It is a weak acid, with a pKa value of approximately 6.5. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, but insoluble in hydrocarbons.

Uses

Diphenylcarbazide is most commonly used as a reagent in the detection of heavy metals, particularly chromium. It forms a red-violet complex with chromium ions, which can be detected visually or using a spectrophotometer. This makes it useful in environmental testing, where it can be used to detect chromium contamination in water samples.

In addition to its use in environmental testing, diphenylcarbazide is also used in the synthesis of various other chemical compounds. For example, it can be used to synthesize hydrazones, which are used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Safety

Like many chemical reagents, diphenylcarbazide can be hazardous if not handled properly. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Therefore, it should always be used with appropriate safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection, and in a well-ventilated area.

See Also

• Carbazide
• Chromium
• Spectrophotometry