Phosphomolybdic acid

Phosphomolybdic acid, also known as dodeca molybdophosphoric acid is a component of Masson's trichrome stain. It is a yellow-green compound, freely soluble in water and polar organic solvents such as ethanol. It is used as a reagent in thin layer chromatography for staining phenolics, hydrocarbon waxes, alkaloids and steroids.