Dextrose 50% as a better substitute for saturated salt solution in mothball float test

Abstract

We describe the use of dextrose 50% solution to differentiate naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene in the mothball float test. Its advantages over saturated salt solution are discussed.

Keywords:

• Mothballs
• Naphthalenes
• Paradichlorobenzenes
• Poisoning

Acknowledgment

I am grateful to B. Braun Medical Ltd. for providing information on specific gravities of its products.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.