Organometallic intermediates in Böttger test for glucose in urine

Francisco Sánchez Viesca * and Reina Gómez Gómez

Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
 
Research Article
Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 09(02), 051–054​
Article DOI: 10.30574/msarr.2023.9.2.0147
Publication history: 
Received on 01 October 2023; revised on 18 November 2023; accepted on 21 November 2023
 
Abstract: 
The reaction mechanism in organometallic chemistry is not always correctly understood or it is missing. In this communication the reaction route in the Böttger test for glucose is provided. The reagent can be bismuth subnitrate or bismuth meta-hydroxide (also called hydrated oxide of bismuth), since in alkaline medium (sodium carbonate) the nitrate ion is displaced by hydroxyl. The basic medium is essential in order to activate the glucose molecule. The reaction goes through a series of organometallic intermediates in a redox process. Finally, elemental bismuth separation occurs via one electron transfer in a bimolecular reaction. The white insoluble solid formed in situ blackens since it is covered by metallic bismuth.
 
Keywords: 
Bismuth meta-hydroxide; Bismuth subnitrate; Organometallic chemistry; Reaction mechanism; Reactive intermediates; Redox process
 
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