Colorimetric determination of organic compounds by formation of hydroxamic acids.

Carboxylic acids, their chlorides, anhydrides, esters, lactones, amides, lactams and imides react with hydroxylamine to give hydroxamic acids which are then treated with iron(III). Other compounds or groups of compounds can also be determined after a prior conversion into hydroxylamine-reactive derivatives. The calorimetric applications of these reactions are reviewed. The effect of various factors is discussed. A selective procedure for determination of acid chlorides and anhydrides and an improved procedure for determination of carboxylic esters and lactones are presented.