A proposed new ASTM Standard Test Method for Formic Acid in Glacial Acetic Acid by Capillary Gas Chromatography is being developed to replace the lead acetate titration procedure described in D 3546, Standard Test Method for Formic Acid in Glacial Acetic Acid.

Collaborating on this effort are chemists representing various manufacturers of solvents, plasticizers, and chemical intermediates in Subcommittee D01.35 on Solvents, Plasticizers and Chemical Intermediates, within ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications.

According to Subcommittee Chairman R.G. Montemayor, Ph.D., senior chemist, Imperial Oil Ltd., Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, “D 3546 uses lead tetra acetate, a cancer suspect agent, and is not specific for formic acid. (Other reducing agents are reported as formic acid.) The proposed new test method specifically identifies and quantifies formic acid impurity in glacial acetic acid.”

For further technical information, contact R.G. Montemayor, Ph.D., Products and Chemicals Division, Imperial Oil Ltd., Sarnia, Ontario, Canada (fax: 519/339-5945). Committee D01 meets June 10-13 in Pittsburgh, Pa., in conjunction with ASTM Committee G03 on Weathering and Durability. For meeting or membership information, contact Staff Manager Tim Brooke, ASTM (phone: 610/832-9729). //

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