The rapid test can identify the presence of methanol in adulterated drinks for color change

The rapid test can identify the presence of methanol in adulterated drinks for color change


The method was developed by chemistry Larissa Modesto, by UNESP




With a growing number of methanol poisoning notifications and the Ministry of Health has expanded the stock of pharmaceutical ethanol and the theme has aroused concern in the population for the possibility of increasing cases. An alternative for adulterated drinks to be tested would be a method developed by Larissa Modesto, student of the Master in Chemistry at Unesp and Test Creator.

The method, which is not yet marketed, consists of a sequence of chemical reactions made in three phases that can determine the methanol mixed in ethanol for color change.

“First of all, a type of salt is added by the drink that will pass through the evaluation, transforming the methanol if it is present in the sample, formaldehyde. In a sequence, it is sufficient to add to the mixture an acid capable of generating changes in the coloring of the solution.

The test, which also serves to test adulterated petrol, can be completed in about 30 minutes.

The technique has been applied to petrol champions, ethanol, vodka, cachaça and whiskey, with 100% precision in the analysis. The classification is performed as follows:

Final mixing in green color – No significant quantity of methanol

Final mix with brown green tone – presence of 0.1% to 0.4% methanol

Final mixture in brown color – presence of 0.5% to 0.9% methanol

Final mixing in rox color – presence from 1% to 20% methanol

Final mix in dark blue color – Metanol from 50% to 100%

Source: Terra

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