The analysis of combustion products : The estimation of traces of methanol in the presence of formaldehyde

In the analysis of combustion products, the estimation of traces of methanol can be rendered difficult by the presence of excess formaldehyde. A method is described for separating the formaldehyde from methanol by treating the solution with sodium bisulphite, and then carrying out a Chromatographie separation on filter paper. Ether carries the methanol to the end of the strip, leaving behind formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. The paper is cut into pieces, which are separately extracted with water, and the solution oxidised. The formaldehyde so formed ib estimated in the usual way with chromotropic acid.