482 Transactions. — Chemistry and Physics. 



Calculated for G\%EL^. Found. 

 C = 88-5 88-2 



H = 11-5 10-9 



Specific gravity = 0962. 

 Refractive index = 1-5317. 

 Boiling-point = 245-255. 



Liebermann's hydrocarbon boiled at 330°-340° (at ordinary 

 pressure), and contained 1 per cent, more hydrogen than the 

 compound here described — it was probably dihydroabietene 

 produced by the reducing-action of the hydriodic acid and 

 phosphorus at the higher temperature. 



Distillation of Rosin with Superheated Steam. 



Preliminary Report. 

 Sixteen hundred and fifty -five pounds weight of rosin 

 (N quality) was placed in a 3-ton stearine still, melted, and 

 superheated steam blown through the mass. When the tem- 

 perature of the still-head had risen to 268° C. an oily distillate 

 began to come over. The temperature gradually rose to 299° C. 

 The distillate was almost colourless, and set upon cooling to 

 an almost colourless resin. At 305° C. the distillate was 

 w r ater-white. At 310° C. it began to darken, and came over 

 more slowly. The temperature was accordingly raised, until 

 at 332° C. the distillation was stopped, and the pitch blown 

 out by the pitch-pipe. During the whole distillation the third, 

 fourth, and fifth coils of the still yielded a viscous distillate 

 which did not set on cooling. The quantities obtained were 

 as follows : — 



Lb. Per Cent. 



Hard distillate ... ... 1,052 63-6 



Soft „ ... ... 424 25-6 



Pitch and loss ... ... 179 10-8 



The pitch being very hard a great portion of it refused to 

 leave the still, a fact that made itself abundantly evident the 

 next time the still was used. 



Hitherto only the light-coloured portion of the distillate 

 has been analysed. It contained C = 79 - 7 ; H = 9 - 7 ; and 

 thus consisted principally of abietic acid. The other portions 

 of the distillate are under examination. 



In conclusion, the authors desire to express their indebted- 

 ness to Messrs. Newton and Son and to the directors and 

 secretary of the New Zealand Candle Company for the assist- 

 ance they have given in the carrying-out of the above 

 investigation. 



