Reaction between copper(I)-thiourea and bismuth(III)-thiourea complexes in presence of iodide. New spot-tests for copper(II) and bismuth(III)

New and very simple spot tests are described for the detection of Bi(III), Cu(II) and I(-) ions with limits of detection of 3, 8, and 75 mug/0.05 ml respectively. Tests are also described for such combinations as Bi(III) + I(-); Bi(III) + Cu(II); and Bi(III) + Cu(II) + I(-). All the tests are based on the formation of an orange or red-orange precipitate of bismuth(III)-copper(I)-iodide-thiourea complex, for which the formula [Bi(tu)(3)I(3).Cu(tu)(3)I] (where tu = thiourea) is proposed. This complex is produced in various ways by the interaction of Bi(III), Cu(II), and I(-) ions with thiourea. Most cations and anions do not interfere, but Tl(I), Cs(I), SO(2-)(3), S(2)O(2-)(3), EDTA, and oxidizing ions such as NO(-)(2), IO(-)(3), IO(-)(4), BrO(-)(3), and MnO(-)(4) do. The complex hexakis(thioureato)sulphatomonoaquodicopper(I) [Cu(2)(tu)(6)SO(4).H(2)O] is proposed as a new spot-test reagent for Bi(III) and I(-) ions, although the sensitivity for the latter is poor.