Quantifying P or PO4 in an unknown solid

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To accurately measure phosphorus or phosphate content in a solid sample of phosphate salts, several methods can be employed. Colorimetric assays are effective for measuring phosphate concentration in solution, with references to specific methodologies available in scientific literature. Dissolving the phosphate is a common approach, allowing for these assays to be utilized. Additionally, more precise analytical techniques may be considered, such as oxidizing phosphorus to phosphate and determining it through methods like ammonium molybdophosphate analysis. These techniques are standard in the analysis of similar materials, such as steel, and can enhance the accuracy of phosphorus quantification in solid samples.
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I have a solid sample possibly containing a few species of phosphate salts from a precipitation reaction. I am only concerned with the phosphorus in the solid sample. What are the possible methods of accurately measuring the P or PO4 content in the solid? Thank you!
 
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Ygggdrasil said:
Can you dissolve the phosphate? There are some nice colorimetric assays for measuring the concentration of phosphate in solution: for example, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0076687966080145
Yes I have also thought of this but I also thought maybe there are other possibly more accurate methods using some analytical instruments that can quantify the P or PO4 in a solid.

Anyway, thank you for your insight. I really appreciate it!
 
Standard approach in the analysis of steel was to dissolve the steel sample, oxidize P to PO43- and to determine it as the ammonium molybdophosphate (or with a colorimetric assay, as Ygg suggested).
 
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