Gordon,
I think maybe it was a component of the buffer - possibly some demonic
Technicon modification of Gitelman (1967). I agree that
cresolphthalein complexone itself would not generate cyanide. I'm
afraid I threw away all the Technicon method sheets a number of
decades ago. Sorry.
Elizabeth also asked about the antidote kit, in place of which we had
a sign beside the machine that said "If you ingest any fumes, make
your way to the Pharmacy, bringing this notice with you".
Nick
On 8 November 2010 22:37, gordon challand <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear Nick
> I spent many hours some 40 years ago mixing glacial acetic acid and acetic
> anhydride for the Liebermann-Burchard reagent (a potent mixture,
> particularly when I spilled 4 litres of it on the floor of a very small cold
> room); but although my chemistry these days is very rusty, I cannot see how
> this could generate HCN from the cresolphthalein complexone reagents for
> calcium! Can you re-educate me?
> With best wishes
> Gordon
> ------ACB discussion List Information--------
> This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community
> working in clinical biochemistry.
> Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the
> internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are
> responsible for all message content.
> ACB Web Site
> http://www.acb.org.uk
> Green Laboratories Work
> http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk
> List Archives
> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html
> List Instructions (How to leave etc.)
> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/
>
------ACB discussion List Information--------
This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry.
Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content.
ACB Web Site
http://www.acb.org.uk
Green Laboratories Work
http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk
List Archives
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html
List Instructions (How to leave etc.)
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/
|