Polarographic determination of phosphorus.
A method has been developed for the determination of phosphorus, as phosphate, by means of the catalytic polarographic wave for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of Mo(VI). This reduction is combined with the previous formation and extraction of 12-molybdophosphoric acid. Depending on the extractant chosen, ethyl acetate or methyl isobutyl ketone, the determination limit is 2.3 or 3.1 mug l . respectively. The procedure has been applied to certified steel samples with good results.