Used in pharmaceutical phytochemical and natural product research to detect alkaloids in plant extracts herbal medicines and chemical mixtures during TLC analysis.

Helps visualize separated compounds on a TLC plate by producing colored spots typically orange to reddish-brown indicating the possible presence of alkaloids. Further testing may be needed for confirmation.

An acidic spray reagent generally containing bismuth nitrate and potassium iodide or related iodide salts. It is intended for laboratory analytical use and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment.