Sodium Iodobismuthate Solution

Boil for a few minutes a mixture of 2.6 g of bismuth oxycarbonate, 7.0 g of sodium iodide and 25 mL of glacial acetic acid. Allow to stand for 12 hours and filter, if necessary, through sintered glass. To 20 mL of the filtrate add 80 mL of ethyl acetate (solution A). Immediately before use, mix 2 mL of solution A, 20 mL of glacial acetic acid and 40 mL of ethyl acetate.

For use in connection with thin-layer chromatography the sensitivity may be increased by spraying first with this solution and then with sulfuric acid (0.2%).

Solution A should be kept in a well-closed container.