Azide detection

[Blazej]

Is there any possibility to detect an aliphatic azide derivative on
TLC plate during reaction (without reduction to amine etc.)
I try to obtain azide via reaction with sodium azide. My compounds are
aliphatic so they dont fluorescence in UV light.
Does anyone have some ideas. I would be grateful for any help.
Do be more clear I am looking for TLC detection spray.
Thank you.

[Andreas Hennig]

Have you tried iodine? It stains hydrocarbons, but the sensitivity is
rather low. Another good staining reagent is the Mo-stain. I was able to
detect an azide with that.

Andreas

Blazej schrieb:

[Uncle Al]

Have you tried the usual phosphomolybdate visualization reagent and
heat? One might expect the azide to be modestly reactive with temp,
allowing the reagent to be reduced and turn from pale yellow to deep
blue.

--
Uncle Al
http://www.mazepath.com/uncleal/
(Toxic URL! Unsafe for children and most mammals)
http://www.mazepath.com/uncleal/qz.pdf

[Steve Turner]

Ninhydrin would be my first try. Ninhydrin is specific for amines,
not azides, but I bet it would work. IIRC, a suitable dip can be made
with

Ninhydrin 3 g
Acetic acid 15 mL
n-butanol 500 mL (ethanol also works)

Dip TLC plate and heat gently on a hot plate.

Steve Turner