MBTH for aliphatic aldehyde measurement

Abstract

A new method is proposed where a limited amount of MBTH is used to detect a point of interest (POI) of an aldehyde in a test sample. Preferably, it reacts with aldehyde first to form an azine. Only if there is remaining MBTH, it is oxidized to another species which combines with the azine to form formazan. However, if there is enough aldehyde, all the MBTH is converted to azine and there is no formation of blue color. Thus, by using the limiting agent MBTH to test the amount of aldehyde around the point of interest, then less aldehyde would produce more blue color and more aldehyde would produce less blue color. This method is especially useful in the quality control of aldehyde products. The end color may be different depending upon the order of addition of the reactants. For example, if an oxidizing agent and MBTH are mixed before adding the aldehyde, a light green to green / blue color results. This method could be used for solution test or for tests on a solid phase such as on nylon membrane. The latter also could be used for measurements with a device or instrument such as a color reader and used in combination with a second aldehyde tester and a pH tester.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The field of the invention relates to a method to detect a point of interest (POI) of an aldehyde in a test sample such as a disinfectant. In some embodiments, a device or test strip are used to detect the point of interest of the aldehyde in the test sample. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] MBTH (3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride) is a well-known aldehyde analysis reagent. Using this reagent, an azine is formed between an aldehyde and MBTH. MBTH is also oxidized by an oxidizing agent such as ferric chloride to another species, which combines with the azine to form a blue colored formazan structure. This reaction was originally described by Sawicki et al. (Sawicki et al. (1961) Analytical Chemistry vol. 33 (1): 93-96) as an extremely sensitive assay for detection of aldehydes in exhaust fumes. The method of Sawicki et al. was subsequently modified to achieve even higher sensitivity ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables quick and efficient detection of aldehydes by varying the color intensity based on the aldehyde concentration, eliminating the need for dilutions and providing a practical assay for quality control of aldehyde-containing products.

Problems solved by technology

However, for concentrated aldehyde analysis, this method is inconvenient due to the need for dilutions.

Images