Nessler's reagent

American  

[nes-lerz] / ˈnɛs lərz /

noun

1. an aqueous solution of potassium iodide, mercuric chloride, and potassium hydroxide, used as a test for the presence of ammonia.

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Etymology

Origin of Nessler's reagent

First recorded in 1870–75; nesslerize

Example Sentences

Fifty c.c. of it are transferred to a Nessler glass and mixed with 2 c.c. of Nessler's reagent.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

This is effected by means of "Nessler's" reagent, which strikes a brown colour with traces of ammonia, even with a few hundredths of a milligram in 100 c.c. of liquid.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

Ammonia, almost always present in distilled and rain water Brown coloration, or precipitate with Nessler's reagent.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 561, October 2, 1886 by Various