Determination of molybdenum by the thiocyanate method

Discussion. Molybdenum(VI) in acid solution when treated with tin(II) chloride [best in the presence of a little iron(II) ion] is converted largely into molybdenum(V) this forms a complex with thiocyanate ion, probably largely Mo(SCN)5, which is red in colour. The latter may be extracted with solvents possessing donor oxygen atoms (3-methylbutanol is preferred). The colour depends upon the acid concentration (optimum concentration 1M) and the concentration of the thiocyanate ion (1 per cent, but colour intensity is constant in the range 2-10 per cent) it is little influenced by excess of tin(II) chloride. The molybdenum complex has maximum absorption at 465 nm. 

Ammonium iron(II) sulphate solution. Dissolve 10 g of the salt in 100 mL of very dilute sulphuric acid. 

---