Solvent extraction studies of phosphonium salts and their analytical applications : Differentiation of n- and isopropyl halides

A test is described for identification and differentiation of n-propyl and isopropyl halides. The halide is reacted with triphenylphosphine to form the phosphoniun salt, and thiocyanate and copper or cobalt solutions are added, Extraction of the colored precipitate into a suitable solvent indicates n-propyl halide whereas isopropyl halides yield unextractable products. The test is applicable to solutions of each halide in the corresponding alcohol as well as to mixtures of both halides.