Griess test

The Griess test is an analytical chemistry test which detects the presence of nitrite ion in solution. One of its most important uses is the determination of nitrite in drinking water. The test has also been widely used for the detection of trace explosives containing nitro groups. It is usually necessary to release the nitrite ion from the organic explosive before analysis. This is normally done by alkaline hydrolysis. The Griess diazotization reaction on which the Griess reagent relies was first described in 1858 by Peter Griess.