Specific and Sensitive Reactions with the Aid of Montmorillonite II: Pyrocatechol and its Derivatives

Non chelated phenolic complexes with Fe(III) which are known to form in aqueous solution are not sorbed on montmorillonite. Pyrocatechol which does form a chelate with Fe(III) is absorbed and can therefore be identified in the presence of isomers. Other aromatic compounds with two hydroxy groups in ortho position and esters and ethers of pyrocatechol and its derivatives have also been studied. A sensitive and selective spot test for the identification of pyrocatechol and its derivatives has been worked out.