USE OF QUASSIN IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SPECIALLY
DENATURED ALCOHOL FORMULA NO. 40
Proprietors of denaturing plants;
and others concerned:
Purpose. The purpose of this industry circular is to advise you that quassin
may be used as a substitute denaturant for brucine (alkaloid) or brucine sulfate
in the manufacture of specially denatured alcohol Formula No. 40.
Background. A critical shortage of brucine has developed as a result of the
curtailment of strychnine production and there is no indication as to when the
shortage may terminate. In order that the production of specially denatured
alcohol Formula No. 40 will not be adversely affected, a substitute denaturant
for brucine has been authorized.
Substitute Denaturant. In accordance with the provisions of 26 CFR 212.65,
quassin, denaturing grade, in the amount of 1.5 avoirdupois ounces to each 100
gallons of ethyl alcohol, is authorized as a substitute denaturant for brucine
(alkaloid) or brucine sulfate in the production of Formula No. 40. Basic data
concerning quassin is as follows:
Basic Data
Quassin the bitter principle of quassia wood, (occurring as a mixture of two
isomeric forms).
Specifications Quassin, Denaturing Grade This shall be a good commercial
grade of purified amorphous quassin, standardized as to
bitterness by the following method:
When 0.4 gram is added to 20 ml of ethyl alcohol it shall
dissolve completely. When 0.2 ml of this solution, measured
from a burette is made up to 1 liter with water, the mixture
shall have a distinctly bitter taste.
Identification Test Dissolve about 0.5 gram quassin, Denaturing Grade, in 10
ml of 95% ethyl alcohol and filter. To 5 ml of the filtrate
add 5 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1 mg
phloroglucinol and mix well. A red color develops.
Optical Assay When 1 gram of quassin denaturing grade is dissolved in
10,000 ml of water, the Absorbance of the solution in a 1 cm.
cell at a wavelength of 258 millimicrons shall be not less than
0.550 (for convenience of solution initially dissolve the quassin
in a small amount of 95% alcohol).
Inquiries. Inquiries regarding this industry circular should refer to its
number and be addressed to the office of your assistant regional commissioner
(alcohol and tobacco tax).
Harold A. Serr
Acting Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division
IRS D. C. 38995 |