TESTS FOR METHYL ALCOHOL BY E. W. TODD, B. A. 151 



(1) To some milk a few drops of resorcinol solution were 

 added. This was poured on top of acid as before. 



Result: A brownish red ring obtained. 



(2) To some milk a few drops of formaldehyde solution 

 were added, and then a few drops of resorcinol solution. The 

 mixture was poured on top of acid as before. 



Result: A brownish ring obtained — not pink. 



(3) Methyl alcohol (2%- solution) oxidized by copper 

 spiral was mixed with milk and a few drops of resorcinol solution 

 added. 



Concentrated acid containing a trace of ferric chloride was 

 poured carefully down the side of the tube. 



Result: A rose-red ring obtained. 



(4) Ethyl alcohol, oxidized by copper spiral and then 

 mixed with milk, was poured on top of concentrated sulphuric 

 acid containing a trace of ferric chloride. 



Result: A brownish red ring changing after some 

 time to nearly black in parts. 



(5) Same as (4) only 2% methyl alcohol was used. 



Result: Very distinct violet ring. 



(6) Same as (4) only a mixture of 5% ethyl alcohol and 

 2% methyl alcohol was used. 



Result: Very distinct violet ring. 



Summary 



Various tests have been tried and some of the results ob- 

 tained are given above. 



The most satisfactory method was considered to be that 

 given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia 10th Edition, 1926. 



