Abstract
TETRAMETHYLDIAMINODIPHENYLMETHANE (‘tetrabase’) has been widely used for the colorimetric estimation of quantities of manganese of the order of 0.01–0.1 µgm.1–4. As generally applied, the test involves the addition of tetrabase and potassium periodate in excess to a sodium acetate–acetic acid buffer containing manganese in solution. The intensity of the transient blue colour1–3—or more permanent green4—so produced is closely related to the concentration of manganese. The nature of the reaction or of its end-products does not appear to have been elucidated, although it is known that manganese hydroxide reacts with tetrabase to produce a blue colour2, and it has been suggested that in the presence of periodate, manganese acts as a catalyst in the oxidation of tetrabase3.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Nicholas, D. J. D., and Fisher, D. J., Ann. Rep. Long Ashton Res. Sta., 115 (1950).
Harry, R. G., Chem. and Indust., 50, 796 (1931).
Harvey, H. W., J. Marine Biol. Assoc. U.K., 28, 155 (1949).
Cornfield, A. H., and Pollard, A. G., J. Sci. Food Agric., 1, 107 (1950).
Strickland, J. D. H., and Spicer, G., Anal. Chim. Act., 3, 517 (1949).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
SINGLE, W. Colorimetric Estimation of Manganese. Nature 180, 250–251 (1957). https://doi.org/10.1038/180250b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/180250b0
- Springer Nature Limited
This article is cited by
-
Katalytisched methode zur bestimmung kleinster manganmengen in lebensmitteln am beispiel der milch
Zeitschrift f�r Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und -Forschung (1963)