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November
20, 2009
BS-Pharmacy 4A Toxicology Lab
Activity No. 02
HYDROCYANIC ACID
I. Objectives:
1. To detect the presence of chlorofrom by performing Schönbein
Pagenstecher’s test, Prussian blue test, Leibig’s test, picric acid test, silver
nitrate test and Vortmann’s nitroprusside test.
2. To understand the principles behind each test, and
3. Interpret the results after performing each method of detection.
II. DATA:
Type of Test/Method of
Observations/Data
Detection
1. Schönbein Actual: the guaiac-copper paper turned black after it
Pagenstecher’s was warmed.
Test Ideal: The paper is turned blue to bluish
green(Warren, 1920).
2. Prussian Blue Test Actual: Upon the addition of potassium hydroxide
and two drops of freshly prepared ferrous sulfate the
distillate turned its color to blue.
Ideal: The precipitate of Prussian blue appeared. But
if the quantity is small, the solution will have merely
a blue or bluish green color. After a long time, a
flocculent precipitate of Prussian blue will settle to
the bottom of the test tube (Warren, 1921).
3. Leibig’s or Actual: The color of the solution turned to light rusty
Sulfocyanate Test brown.
Ideal: Reddish to blood-red color will appear due to
ferric sulphocyanate (Warren, 1921).
4. Picric Acid Test Actual: The distillate turned to rusty brown in color.
Ideal (+): The solution will become blood-red due to
the formation of potassium isopurpurate (Warren,
1921).
5. Silver Nitrate Test Actual: The acidified distillate with dilute nitric acid
and drops of silver nitrate produced a white
precipitate.
Ideal (+): A white, curdy precipitate of silver cyanide
(AgCN) will appear (Warren, 1921).
6. Vortmann’s Actual: The filtrate upon the addition of dilute
Nitroprusside Test ammonium sulfide turned the solution to green.
Ideal (+): A violet color will appear and pass through
blue green and yellow (Warren, 1921).
Data Analysis:
Prussian blue will not appear in presence of alkalies, since they decompose
as it follows:
Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 + 12KOH = 3K4Fe(CN)6 + 4Fe(OH)8
IV. CONCLUSION:
In whatever way applied, hydrocyanic acid is absorbed, even from the skin.
So rapid is the absorption of this poison that there is evidence of intoxication after a
few seconds, or a few minutes at most. Part of the poison thus absorbed passes
from the body unchanged by way of the lungs. Another part, usually much less, is
eliminated by the kidneys and passes into the urine. Sweat also is said to contain
hydrocyanic acid. With this in mind, pharmacists play a vital role in the
management in cases of hydrocyanic acid intoxication. With this activity, I
understood and acquired skills on the detection of chloroform in the laboratory
aside from management using pharmaceutical means. Chloroform is detected in the
laboratory by performing Schönbein Pagenstecher’s test, Prussian blue test, Leibig’s
test, picric acid test, silver nitrate test and Vortmann’s nitroprusside test
Bibliography
Warren, W. H. (1921). Laboratory Manual for the Detection of Poisons and Powerful
Drugs. New Jersey: Read Books.