Chemical Science. 171 



chlorine became muriatic acid, and that the other half formed a 

 substance of the same specific gravity as the hydro-chloride of 

 carbon. Hence, it may be concluded that chlorine acts on alcohol 

 as it does on olefiant gas ; that the composition of the substances 

 obtained in both cases is the same, and that the water of the 

 alcohol is not concerned in the action. A good result can only be 

 obtained in operating at temperatures close to 32, in allowing only 

 a very slow current of chlorine, and in effecting complete saturation. 

 The operation will soon appear terminated, but in such cases a 

 very variable oily product will be obtained. 



Action of Chlorine on Ether. The same kind of experiment, 

 and with the same apparatus, was then made with ether, also 

 a hydrated hydro-carbon. By keeping the temperature at 32, or 

 below; moderating the current of chlorine; and continuing the 

 operation until the saturation was perfect ; all the muriatic acid 

 produced passed into the third vessel, or that containing the 

 water. In place of the ether, nothing remained but a green 

 liquid impregnated with chlorine, and of the specific gravity of 

 chloric ether. 



The muriatic acid produced represented half the chlorine : the oily 

 matter was equal to what the hydro-carbon in the ether could have 

 produced, as olefiant gas with chlorine. The quantity of carbonic 

 acid evolved was quite insignificant; the water of the ether was 

 inert during the action, and in fact, the action of chlorine is the 

 same whether olefiant gas, alcohol, or ether be used. Although all 

 proceeds successfully if every precaution be taken, yet inattention 

 easily gives erroneous results, If the saturation be incomplete, the 

 oily matter varies in density and quantity. If the current of 

 chlorine be rapid, ether is carried off into the water and escapes the 

 action. If the temperature rise, the muriatic acid and ether react 

 upon each other, and muriatic ether is produced. 



The substances thus produced, though alike in composition, vary 

 in some properties, and principally in taste and odour; these differ- 

 ences, it is supposed, may be due to a little sweet oil of wine. That 

 made with the gases has a sweet penetrating taste and agreeable 

 odour ; those with alcohol and ether have an acrid taste, resembling 

 more that of peppermint ; in colour and some other qualities they 

 differ slightly. They agree, however, in specific gravity, which is 

 between 1.22, and 1.24 ; in extreme solubility in alcohol and ether; 

 in being almost insoluble directly in water, but soluble by means of 

 muriatic acid, and remaining in solution after the acid is neutralised. 

 All produce by combustion a green flame, and abundant vapours of 

 muriatic acid*. 



6. BROMIDE OF CARBON. 



The following account of this substance is extracted from a work 

 on bromine and its chemical combination, by C. Lcewig. 



* Ann, do Chimie, xliii. 225. 



