Mothball composition: three simple tests for distinguishing paradichlorobenzene from naphthalene.
We describe three analytical procedures that can be used to distinguish naphthalene from the less toxic mothball component paradichlorobenzene. An initial presumptive identification can be made by noting the characteristic aroma of the two substances. This can be followed by one of the three analytical tests, each of which is simple to perform, gives an answer in seconds to minutes, and is definitive enough to eliminate the need for costly additional testing at an analytical reference laboratory. These tests have as additional advantages that the endpoints are dramatic and the reagents are commonly available.
Ambre
J
J
Ruo
T I
TI
Smith-Coggins
R
R
D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; D002722:Chlorobenzenes / Q000032:analysis*; D003116:Color; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000032:analysis*; D009812:Odorants
D002722:Chlorobenzenes; D009281:Naphthalenes; C031721:naphthalene; C018511:4-dichlorobenzene