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Chemistry Forums for Students => Analytical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: sparky on March 11, 2005, 10:57:28 AM

Title: Testing for ppm levels of formaldehyde
Post by: sparky on March 11, 2005, 10:57:28 AM

I'm looking for a method to analyze for low levels (10ppm) formaldehyde in an organic solvent.  I was planning on using chromatropic acid along with H2SO4 and running it by visible absorption.  This is a great method for analyzing water samples.  I tried to  extract my organic sample with water and then analyze the aqueous layer, but the remaining few drops of organic reacted with the sulfuric acid and gave a false high reading.  Can anybody help?

Thanks  

Title: Re:Testing for ppm levels of formaldehyde
Post by: jdurg on March 14, 2005, 10:58:56 AM

Do you have access to a GC/MS?  If you do, I'd highly suggest using that since formaldehyde would be detected quite easily in a GC/MS.