New spot-test for silver(I) based on double iodide formation with bismuth(III)

The formation of an intense brownish-maroon or maroon-red product by the interaction of silver(I) and bismuth(III) solution in the presence of iodide forms the basis of a new and specific spot-test procedure for silver. The test is conducted on a spot plate with 2 or 3 drops of 2% potassium iodide solution, 1 drop of 1% bismuth(III) nitrate solution, and 1 drop of test solution. Limit of detection is 0.01 mug; limit of dilution is 1:5 x 10(6). Most cations and anions do not interfere. Only Tl(I), Cs, S(2)O(2-)(3), EDTA, pyridine, excess of thiourea, oxidizing ions (NO(-)(2), IO(-)(3), IO(-)(4), MnO(-)(4), BrO(-)(3), and S(2)O(2-)(8)) and ions such as Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), SCN(-), and N(-)(3) which cause precipitation of silver, interfere. The product formed is most probably Ag(2)BiI(5).