The direct gas chromatographic analysis of barbiturates as their sodium salts

The addition of formic acid to the carrier gas will permit the on-column liberation of the free acids following the direct injection of barbiturates as their sodium salts. These free acids may then be resolved upon an Apiezon L column: the presence of formic acid also minimizes the adsorption effects which may be associated with the gas chromatographic analysis of these relatively polar drugs.