120 Dr. Kane on the Combinations derived from Pj/roacetic Spirit. 



produces a compound, which is decomposed by the appHcation of moderate 

 warmth. Then, water being formed, there is 



, = N03 + C6H30; 



— Oj — Hj 



the hypo-nitrite of pteleyl being produced. 



I did not make any determination of the quantity of nitrogen in this body, as 

 from tlie explosive way in which the decomposition went on, I did not conceive 

 the result could be one deserving of much confidence. 



XIII. OF THE MESITIC ALDEHYD. 



I have mentioned that the thinner of the fluids generated by the action of 

 nitric acid on mesitic alcohol, was rendered impure by the presence of a thicker 

 substance, the quantity of which increased according as more red fumes were 

 generated by the boiling of the mixture. This heavy thick fluid is the mesitic 

 aldehyd ; which, however, cannot be obtained pure in this way, as a considerable 

 quantity of the hypo-nitrite of pteleyl remains unaltered. By means of the 

 action of nitric acid on mesitylene, it may be obtained quite pure. When 

 nitric acid is boiled with mesitylene, the latter is completely converted into a 

 reddish yellow, thick, and heavy fluid, of a sweetish, but penetrating odour. 

 When it appears no longer altered by fresh quantities of acid, it may be well 

 washed with water, and dried by chloride of calcium. 



The composition of this body was determined by the following analyses : 



A. 0.38.5 fluid gave 



0.243 water. 



0.91 8 carbonic acid. 



B. 0.410 of another quantity gave 



0.266 water. 

 0.943 carbonic acid. 



Whence the composition per cent. 



100.00. 



