Nitro-PAPS is a highly sensitive colorimetric reagent for the determination of Fe(II). It forms water-soluble complexes in the pH range of 3.0–8.0, with a maximum absorption wavelength (λₘₐₓ) of 582 nm and molar absorptivity (ε) of 107000. This reagent is suitable for the detection of Fe(II) in serum, and can also be used to determine Cu, Zn, Ni and Co at the micromolar level. Thioglycolic acid combined with SDS can mask Cu and Zn present in serum. With cyanide ions (CN⁻) used as masking agents for Fe and Cu, Nitro-PAPS enables the detection of Zn in serum.