USE OF CITRIC ACID TO PREVENT CLOUDING IN TOILET PREPARATIONS MADE WITH TARTAR EMETIC

Users of specially denatured alcohol; and others concerned:

Purpose. The purpose of this industry circular is to advise you that citric acid may be used in the manufacture of bay rum, alcoholado, or alcoholado type toilet waters to prevent clouding of the finished product.

Background. Recent amendments (Treasury Decision 6274) to the regulations require bay rum, alcoholado, or alcoholado type toilet waters made with specially denatured alcohol to contain 32 grains of tartar emetic or 0.5 avoirdupois ounce of sucrose octa-acetate in each gallon of finished product. We have found that when tartar emetic is used, a cloudiness will result from use of slightly alkaline water or from the presence of alkalies in glass containers. In either instance clouding may occur on standing.

Instructions to Permittees. The presence of even a trace of citric acid seems to eliminate any such clouding. However, since water will in some instances be more than slightly alkaline, we propose the use of one-fourth grain of citric acid per fluid ounce of the finished product.

Permittees now holding approved formulas for the manufacture of alcoholado or bay rum containing tartar emetic and who elect to add citric acid to the product to prevent clouding need not submit new formulas on Form 1479-A. However, any formulas submitted in the future for these products in which citric acid is to be used must show such use.

Inquiries. Inquiries regarding this industry circular should refer to its number and be addressed to the office of your assistant regional commissioner (alcohol and tobacco tax).

Dwight E. Avis
Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division

IRS D. C. 38515