ASTM E256-09 PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM E256‑09 — "Standard Test Method for Chlorine in Organic Compounds by Sodium Peroxide Bomb Ignition". The standard describes a bomb‑ignition procedure using sodium peroxide to convert organically‑bound chlorine to chloride for quantitative determination (typically by silver‑nitrate titration).

Abstract

ASTM E256‑09 specifies a laboratory test method for determining total chlorine in organic samples by combusting the sample in a closed bomb with sodium peroxide and appropriate accelerators, dissolving the products, acidifying, and determining chloride by titration. The method is intended for samples with appreciable chlorine content and assumes the absence of other halogens. It carries safety and handling notes for peroxide bomb usage.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal recorded January 18, 2018).
• Publication date: Current edition approved Oct 1, 2009; published late 2009 (designation E256‑09 / 2009 edition).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Chemical analysis (examples reported: 71.040.40) and related chemical test methods (reported: 71.060.20).
• Edition / version: E256‑09 (2009).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (compact test method format).

Key bibliographic and status details as recorded in standards catalogs and ASTM listings.

Scope

This test method covers determination of chlorine in organic compounds by sodium peroxide bomb ignition. It is intended for application to organic materials containing more than about 0.5% chlorine and assumes that halogens other than chlorine are not present. The procedure converts organically‑bound chlorine to chloride in the bomb, dissolves the bomb contents, acidifies, and measures chloride (commonly by titration with silver nitrate). The method includes safety references because sodium peroxide and bomb ignition present significant hazards and require appropriate laboratory controls.

Key topics and requirements

• Sodium peroxide bomb ignition technique (bomb assembly, ignition, and containment requirements).
• Use of accelerators/auxiliaries (e.g., potassium nitrate, sucrose) to ensure complete combustion.
• Conversion of organic chlorine to chloride, dissolution of bomb residues, acidification, and chloride determination by silver‑nitrate titration (potentiometric or visual endpoint technique).
• Applicable sample size guidance and recommended lower concentration applicability (typically >0.5% chlorine).
• Safety, handling, and disposal precautions for sodium peroxide and bomb residues; references to related ASTM safety clauses.

Procedure details and stepwise method summaries are documented in the E256‑09 text and summarized in technical catalogs and laboratory guidance.

Typical use and users

Applied in analytical chemistry and quality control laboratories that need total chlorine assay in organic materials — for example, chemical and specialty‑chemical producers, environmental test labs, petrochemical analysis, research laboratories, and forensic/regulated testing where quantification of organic chlorine is required. Because the standard was withdrawn in 2018, routine users should verify current accepted methods or replacement standards before relying on E256‑09.

Related standards

Other ASTM methods and related standards referenced in the E256 text and by users include oxygen‑bomb or high‑pressure decomposition chlorine methods (examples often cited: Test Method D808, Test Method D2361, Test Method D4208) and other analytical practices for reagent preparation, precision statements, and safety practices. Users should consult the ASTM catalog or national standards bodies for currently active or superseding methods.

Keywords

chlorine determination; sodium peroxide bomb; bomb ignition; organic chlorine; chloride titration; silver nitrate titration; ASTM E256‑09; analytical chemistry; sample combustion; laboratory safety.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E256‑09 is the 2009 edition of a test method titled "Standard Test Method for Chlorine in Organic Compounds by Sodium Peroxide Bomb Ignition", providing a laboratory procedure to convert organically‑bound chlorine to chloride for quantitative measurement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the sample combustion/oxidation step using sodium peroxide in a sealed bomb, dissolution and workup of combustion products, acidification, and quantitative determination of chloride (commonly by silver‑nitrate titration). It is intended for organic samples expected to contain more than ~0.5% chlorine and assumes other halogens are absent.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and QA/QC laboratories in chemical, petrochemical, environmental, and research sectors that need to quantify total chlorine in organic materials. Historically also used in interlaboratory studies and by agencies that referenced ASTM methods for chlorine analysis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: E256‑09 was withdrawn (withdrawal recorded January 18, 2018). Users should not assume it is the current active method and should consult ASTM International or applicable regulatory bodies for any active replacement or alternative test methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E256 belongs to ASTM test methods for halogen/chlorine determination and references related ASTM methods and practices (precision statements, reagent preparation, and other bomb/combustion‑based chlorine methods). It is not a multi‑part normative series but is associated with other single‑designation ASTM methods for chlorine analysis.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Keywords include: chlorine, organic compounds, sodium peroxide bomb, bomb ignition, chloride titration, silver nitrate, ASTM E256‑09, analytical chemistry, laboratory safety.