14" PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



the results of Tvanow-Gajewsky in regard to the oxidation of curcu- 

 min, as it renders it almost certain that the terephthalic acid obtained 

 by him, but of which we could find no trace, proceeded from an im- 

 purity of turmeric oil in his curcumin. 



When cold potassic permanganate not in excess is used, turmerol 

 yields one or more apparently new acids, with the investigation of 

 which we are at present occupied. 



Summary. 



The formula of turmerol (the fraction of turmeric oil boiling from 

 193° to 198° under 60 mm. of pressure) is CjgHogO, or one of its 

 adjacent homologues. 



Its alcoholic nature is proved by the following observations : — 



1. Conversion into CigHg-Cl by hydrochloric acid or phosphorous 

 trichloride. The chlorine can be removed by ordinary reagents. 



2. The formation of a compound, CjaH^i^ONa, by the action of 

 sodium. 



3. The formation of its isobutylether, CjgHg^OC^Hg. 



That it is related to the para compounds of the aromatic series is 

 proved by its conversion into terephthalic acid by treatment with a 

 hot aqueous solution of potassic permanganate in excess. 



