The use of propionic anhydride in the sample preparation for pollen analysis

Abstract

Acetolysis is an important stage in the sample treatment for pollen analysis. However, since 1998, acetic anhydride (CH3CO)2O, used for the acetolysis solution preparation, refers to precursors which turnover is limited in Russia and its use needs measures for special control. We suggest replacing acetic anhydride with propionic anhydride (CH3CH2CO)2O, for which there are no such limitations. The procedure of sample treatment with propionic anhydride is the same as one with acetic anhydride. Testing an acetolysis procedure using propionic anhydride on peat samples collected in the Kaluzhskie Zaseki State Nature Reserve shows the high efficiency of this chemical agent.

Keywords

• acetic anhydride
• acetolysis
• kaluzhskie zaseki state nature reserve
• palynological analysis
• sample treatment