1,1'-bis(6-chloroanthraquinonyl)amine as a reagent for trace amounts of boron

A new reagent, 1,1'-bis(6-chloroanthraquinonyl)amine, has been synthesized and applied to the determination of trace amounts of boron. A blue complex is formed on heating with orthoboric acid in 96% sulfuric acid medium.Oxidizing agents and some cations interfere with the method; separation of the boron either by distillation of the methyl ester or by ion exchange removes such interferences The method is very sensitive i.e., 0.0005 μg B/cm², and can be used for the analyses of vegetation.