Development of a Chromium-free Gas Detector Tube for Alcohols.

Chromium oxide(VI), (Cr(VI)) has been used in gas detector tubes as an indicator to detect alcohols. However, it is toxic and regulated to prevent environmental pollution. In this report, potassium manganate(VII) was chosen instead of Cr(VI). A samples of 100 mL of ethanol, methanol and 2-propanol vapors were passed through a gas detector tube with an aspirating pump. Sampling time was 3 min. The stain length on the tube was in the range of 20 - 300 ppm. A novel detector tube for alcohols was developed without Cr(VI).