Chromatogram ammonia oxidation

Such reactions can be promoted by exposing the chromatogram to the vapors of hydrogen halides, to nitric acid fumes [4], to ammonia or oxides of nitrogen [2] in suitable reaction chambers [10]. Ammonium hydrogen carbonate, first proposed by SEGxmA and Gono is also suitable [11]. 

Note When combined with thin-layer chromatographic separation the reagent provides a specific detection method for nitrate and nitrite. The color development is often completed within a few minutes on silica gel plates. In the absence of ammonia vapor traces of oxides of nitrogen in the laboratory atmosphere can slowly cause the background to become reddish-brown. The simultaneous presence of the following ions in the chromatogram zones interferes with the detection of nitrate/nitrite I , 10J, IO4, MoO and H2PO2. 

---