pec

13 Potentially Explosive Chemicals Appendix 2 Additional PEC Detection Methods Ferrous Thiocyanate Method This qualitative method relies on the oxidation by peroxide of colorless ferrothiocyanate (Fe2+) to the red ferrithiocyanate (Fe3+). One drop of reagent is added to one drop of the chemical to be tested. A barely discernible pink color indicates that peroxides are present at a concentration of about 10 ppm. A clear pink to cherry color suggests a concentration of about 20 ppm. A red color indicates a concentration of about 80 ppm, and a deep red indicates a concentration as high as 400 ppm. The reagent is prepared by dissolving 9 g FeSO 4 • 7H 2 O in 50 ml 18% HCl. A little granulated zinc is added, followed by 5 g NaSCN. When the transient red color fades, an additional 12 g NaSCN is added, and the liquid is decanted from the unused zinc into a clean, stoppered bottle. The shelf life of this reagent is very limited. This method is sensitive only to hydroperoxides; it will not detect most other peroxides. Note: Use only when you suspect hydroperoxides are present. Iodide Tests This is the most common qualitative test for adventitious peroxides. The two primary variations on this procedure involve the oxidation of iodide to iodine by the peroxide, with the resulting formation of a yellow to brown color. Method A In this method, 1 mL of the material to be tested is added to an equal volume of glacial acetic acid, to which approximately 0.1 g NaI or KI (10% wt/vol) has been added. A yellow color indicates a low concentration of peroxides (40–100 ppm as hydrogen peroxide). A brown color indicates a higher concentration of peroxide. Blanks must always be prepared. The test solution has a very short shelf life and will naturally result in high blank values if stored for any length of time. Variations on this method include the use of a 20% wt/vol reagent and hydrochloric acid instead of glacial acetic acid and the use of sulfuric acid. In quantitative variations on this method, the liberated iodine is titrated with 0.1 M NaSCN. This degree of precision is usually unnecessary for routine testing, and these methods do not increase the sensitivity of the method to higher peroxides.