A NEW DETECTION TUBE TO DETECT HYDROGEN CYANIDE IN THE AIR

A new simple and sensitive detection tube to detect hydrogen cyanide in the air has been developed. The detection tube is based on the reaction of hyd-rogen cyanide with 4-nitrobenzil to form a violet colored product. The reaction takes place on a carrier made of a composite material, which was prepared by pelletization of a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and MgO. The detection tube can detect hydrogen cyanide in the air in the range of concentrations 0.1–100 mg m–3 based on visual evaluation (by naked eye) of the change of indication layer coloring and comparison with etalon. The detection limit is 0.05 mg m–3. The detection tube is highly selective and sufficiently stable during storage