and the Products of its Decomposition. 87 



almost impossible to separate entirely that body from the oil 

 by washing ; nay, even after many days' boiling with water, 

 the oil still contained traces of potash. 



The formation of the cenanthylate of potash was, however, 

 also observed by Mr. Williamson. 



Hydruret of (Enanthyle with oxidizing agents. 



To render more certain the view as to the true nature 

 of the hydruret of cenanthyle, it was oxidized in two several 

 ways ; and, as might have been supposed from the analogy 

 of the hydruret of benzoyle, cenanthylic acid was the product 

 of the operation. Mixed drop by drop with strong nitric acid, 

 hydruret of cenanthyle is dissolved and oxidation proceeds 

 rapidly, though more slowly than in the case of cenanthal ; 

 but cenanthylic acid is the sole product of the action. 



Heated with potash, hydruret of cenanthyle is decomposed 

 with the evolution of hydrogen, and the production of cenan- 

 thylic acid and a tarry substance. The action however pro- 

 ceeds slowly and with difficulty. 



The acid formed in both cases was neutralized by baryta ; 

 and the properties of the salt formed agreed entirely with 

 those of cenanthylate of baryta. 



0*223 of the salt of the acid formed by oxidation with nitric 

 acid gave 0*1105 carbonate of baryta; and it therefore con- 

 tains 38*50 per cent, baryta, theory requiring 38*75. 



The compounds of cenanthyle may probably be considered 

 as thus constituted : — 



(Enanthyle C 14 H 13 



Hydruret of cenanthyle . C 14 H 13 O + H 

 Oxide of cenanthyle . . C ]4 Hj 3 O + O (or anhydrous 

 cenanthylous acid, that of Liebig and Pelouze). 



GEnanthal C 14 H 13 + HO 



Hydrated cenanthylic acid C 14 H 13 O + O a + HO 



Or the nomenclature may be adopted until our views on this 

 subject are rendered more clear by the addition of new facts. 



Action of Ammonia on (Enanthal. 



(Enanthylammon. — When ammoniacal gas is passed into 

 cenanthal, as was observed by Bussy, it is absorbed in large 

 quantities, heat is developed, and the liquid becomes thick; 

 by the continued action of the gas it however resumes its former 

 degree of fluidity. 



Bisidphate of (Enanthylammon. — This substance has the 

 composition of taurine, with the elements of cenanthal substi- 

 tuted for those of aldehyde. When cenanthylammon is dis- 



