21.94—Acetaldol.
Dissolve 15 grams of the acetaldol in distilled water and dilute to 1 liter in a volumetric flask. Transfer 5 ml of this solution to a 250 ml glass-stoppered flask containing 25 ml distilled water. Add 25 ml of a freshly prepared 1 percent sodium bisulfite solution. Prepare a blank omitting the acetaldol solution. Place the flasks in a dark place away from excessive heat or cold and allow to stand six hours. Remove flasks and titrate free bisulfite with 0.1 N iodine solution using starch indicator.
Percent acetaldol by weight=(ml blank−ml test)×200×0.44/weight of sample
Titrations in excess of 100 percent may be obtained if the sample contains appreciable amounts of acetaldehyde.