Trivalent molybdenum as volumetric reducing agent

Summary The purpose of the present investigation is to introduce trivalent molybdenum as a new analytical reducing agent, in hydrochloric as well as sulphuric acid media.The solution is prepared in 9N acid by electrolytic or mercuryreduction of the hexavalent form. It is preferentially stocked and used in high acid concentrations, whereby its stability in air is optimal, falling to half its titer after nearly two months. It has been tested with success as reductant for ceric, dichromate, ferric and vanadate. It has the advantage of being used in ordinary opened burettes. Titrations were followed potentiometrically in general, and alternately visually in decinormal media, whereby molybdenum blue appears at the end-point. The percentage error in fifteen discussed experiments never surpassed ±1%. Some oxidation titrations were also undertaken using iodate and bromate, with the same degree of accuracy, provided they were conducted in 6N acid. In weaker acid concentrations, equilibria were more slowly attained, with a more or less pronounced deviation, due to some oxidisability that necessitates controlled inert atmosphere.