Christmore D S, Kelly R C, Doshier L A
J Forensic Sci. 1984 Oct;29(4):1038-44.
Solutions are reported here for two problems in automated headspace gas chromatographic analysis for ethanol. The first is the catalytic oxidation of ethanol by oxyhemoglobin, a process that is limited only by the amount of oxygen in the sealed vessel. This reaction is prevented by the addition of sodium dithionite. The other problem, the lack of a suitable salting-out agent, led to the selection of ammonium sulfate, which improved recovery of ethanol as well as enhancing method precision. A procedure incorporating these improvements is described.
