Determination of cyanogen chloride in activated niacin test strips

Abstract

A simple paper-strip method for the determination of niacin in cultures of human tubercle bacteria based on the reaction with cyanogen chloride is described. Although a yield of only about 5 per cent. of cyanogen chloride is obtained, it represents an excess of from 5 to 50 times that needed to react with the 5 × 10^–7 to 5 × 10^–8 mole of niacin expected in samples. The chemistry of the system, the determination of cyanogen chloride and an evaluation of the procedure are presented.