Devarda's alloy is a granular alloy primarily composed of copper (50%), aluminum (45%), and zinc (5%). It is named after the Italian chemist Arturo Devarda. The material is not a single chemical compound but a heterogeneous mixture of these metals. Its primary and most significant application is as a powerful reducing agent in analytical chemistry, specifically for the quantitative determination of nitrate and nitrite ions. In the classic Devarda's method, the alloy reduces nitrate (NO₃⁻) to ammonia (NH₃) under strongly alkaline conditions. The liberated ammonia is then distilled and titrated, allowing for accurate measurement of nitrate/nitrite content in samples such as water, soil, or fertilizers. It is also occasionally used in organic synthesis for the reduction of nitro groups to amines. The alloy reacts vigorously with alkalis, releasing hydrogen gas. It must be handled with care, stored in a dry place away from moisture and acids, as it can be pyrophoric in finely divided forms. Its use has been partly superseded by more modern techniques but remains a standard and reliable method in many laboratories.