Factors influencing the condensation of 4-aminoantipyrine with derivatives of hydroxybenzene—I. A critique

The quantitative determination of phenols in water and waste water is attempted by condensation with 4-aminoantipyrine and oxidation under alkaline conditions to a colored product. The major chemical factors that influence this reaction are pH value between 8.0 and 11.0, the type of aqueous buffer, and the type of substituted phenol. These three factors influence the analytical and molecular sensitivities as well as the wave length of maximum absorbance. A “total phenol” determination is not possible with the 4-aminoantipyrine technique as currently practiced.