Indophenol: A Versatile Chemical Reagent for Detecting Cyanide Ions

Indophenol is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C16H12O3. It is a yellow solid that is used as a reagent in various chemical reactions. It is also known as 2-amino-4-hydroxy-phenyl-ethanone.

Indophenol is prepared by the reaction of phenol with cyanide ion in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid. The reaction is given below:

C6H5OH + CN- + H2SO4 → C16H12O3 + H2O

Indophenol is a versatile reagent that can be used in various chemical reactions, such as the detection of amines, aldehydes, and ketones. It is also used as a precursor to other compounds, such as phenolphthalein and 2-amino-4-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid.

One of the most important applications of indophenol is in the determination of cyanide ions. When indophenol is treated with cyanide ion, it forms a stable complex that can be easily detected using a colorimetric assay. This reaction is given below:

C16H12O3 + CN- → C16H14N + H2O

The resulting complex is yellow in color and can be measured at 420 nm using a spectrophotometer. This method is widely used in clinical and forensic settings to detect cyanide poisoning.

In summary, indophenol is a chemical compound that is used as a reagent in various chemical reactions, including the detection of cyanide ions. It is a versatile molecule that has many important applications in chemistry and biology.