2091.     LEITHE, W.  [Determination of the Isoparaffin Content in Natural and Synthetic Soft and Hard Paraffins.]  I. G. Farbenindustrie A.-G., Ammonia Laboratory Rept. 1615, May 13, 1939; FIAT Reel R 19, frames 6723-6740, PB 73,594; Meyer Transl. PC-S-IV, Wax Oxidation, vol. 3, 1949, chapter 56, pp. 49-56.

        Method has been developed by modifying the Schaarschmidt reaction with SbCl₅ that permits determination of content of isoparaffins in soft and hard paraffin (number of C atoms about C₁₆-C₃₅) within an accuracy of 2-5%.  The isoparaffin content was determined by the new method in many natural paraffins, as well as gatsches and paraffins from the Fischer synthesis (at atmospheric and at medium pressure).  The paraffins from the medium pressure synthesis showed, in contrast to Fischer gatsch obtained without pressure, a strikingly lower content of branched hydrocarbons and are, therefore, especially suitable for the preparation of soaps of slight odor by means of oxidation.  The method thus offers a definite basis for evaluating paraffins with regard to their suitability for the preparation of soaps and edible fats.