This section is from the book "Alcohol, Its Production, Properties, Chemistry, And Industrial Applications", by Charles Simmonds. Also available from Amazon: Alcohol: Its Production, Properties, Chemistry, And Industrial Applications.
Dissolve a little sodium formate in about 2 c.c. of water, add 1 or 2 c.c. of the liquid to be tested, then pour into the mixture an equal volume of strong sulphuric acid. On mixing the contents of the tube, warming a little more if necessary, an odour of methyl formate is developed if methyl alcohol is present. The odour recalls that of chloroform.
 
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