Phosphomolybdic acid is used as reagent for colorimetric determination of phenothiazine derivatives in various pharmaceutical products. The reagent oxidizes the derivative to a cationic free radical, with which it then forms a coloured salt.

Application

Phosphomolybdic is used as a stain for developing thin-layer chromatography plates, staining phenolics, hydrocarbon waxes, alkaloids, and steroids. Conjugated unsaturated compounds reduce PMA to molybdenum blue.