Autan
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Autan is a disinfectant for rooms and objects ('cold method of formalinization'), consisting of a mixture of about 70% barium and strontium peroxide with 30% paraformaldehyde. It is a white powder with a weak formaldehyde odor that releases free formaldehyde in the presence of water.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Autan, a preparation for disinfection of rooms and objects ('cold method of formalinization'), consists of a mixture of approximately 70% barium and strontium peroxide with 30% paraformaldehyde. A white powder with a weak formaldehyde odor. In the presence of water, it releases free formaldehyde; the reaction proceeds with strong heating, due to which water vapor is also developed. After disinfection, to remove formaldehyde vapors, an equal amount of ammonium chloride is added to the same vessel, whereby a considerable amount of ammonia is developed. Disinfection with A. is carried out in well-closed rooms for 6-7 hours; for 50 cubic meters, 1,400 g of A. is used. The preparation is suitable in many cases also for deodorization (see Disinfection).
Related articles
Cite this page
“Autan.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/autan/