714 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED. [Vol.38 



II. Italian turpentine from Pinus pinaster, Mina Palazzo. — Analyses are re- 

 poi-ted of an industrial turpentine oil from P. pinafitcr, and also of an industrial 

 turpentine oil produced in Italy consisting of a mixture of the turpentines of the 

 maritime and domestic pines and varying in its composition according to the 

 proportions of the two constituents. The oil contained 2.35 per cent resin and 

 colophony oils as adulterants. 



III. Applications of the essence of turpentine from the domestic pines, F. C. 

 Palazzo and E. Azzarello. — Further studies of the properties of the essence 

 of turpentine from the domestic pine (P. pinca) are reported. The drying 

 power of tlie oil in enamels, varnishes, and paints compares favorably with that 

 of the commercial oil of turpentine and technical limonene. Its notable solvent 

 power for many substances combined with its high flame test make it a valuable 

 solvent. Inhalation of the vapor does not produce the narcotic effect of the 

 ordinary oil of turpentine. 



Fats and fatty acids from petroleum, R. J. Moore and G. Egloff (Metallurg. 

 and Chem. Engin., 18 {1918), No. 6, pp. S08-S11, fig. 1; Oil, Paint and Drug Re- 

 porter, 93 (1918), No. 18, pp. 59, 60). — This paper shows the extent to which 

 the synthetic production of fats and fatty acids from hydrocarbons present in 

 petroleum oil has been successful. The past work on the subject is reviewed 

 under the following methods: (1) Through halogenation of aliphatic hydrocar- 

 bons, (2) by way of Grignard's reaction, (3) by way of naphthenes, and (4) 

 through direct oxidation of paraffins or olefins. Preliminary experiments have 

 been conducted by the authors of passing vaporized kerosene and chlorin after 

 heating into an electrical silent discharge field of high potential, adding carbon 

 dioxid at the same time. Indications are that a certain amount of fatty acids 

 is formed under these conditions. 



Data in reg^ard to a new oil extracted from Blepharocal3rx g'igantea (Hor- 

 comolle), F. Zelada (An. Soc. Quim. Argentina, 5 {1917), No. 21, pp. 226-237, 

 figs. S; Univ. Tucumdn, Inform. Dept. Invest. Indus., 1917, pp. 5-lS, figs. 3).— 

 A study of the Horco-molle, a tree which grows abimdantly in Tucumdn, within 

 the subtropical zone, showed that from it could be extracted a new oil which, 

 because of its agreeable aroma and easy extraction, could be incorporated into 

 perfumes. The botanical and histological properties of the tree are summarized 

 and the following analytical constants given : 



Density at 15° C, 0.9188 ; boiling point at 760 mm., 169.9° ; specific rotation 

 at 28°, —2° 22'; index of refraction at 27.5°, 1.4732; solubility in 80 per cent 

 alcohol 6.1, in 90 per cent alcohol 3.7 ; saponification number, 56 mg. ; percentage 

 of ether, 18.164 ; percentage of alcohols, 15.66 ; acetyl number, 172 mg. ; per- 

 centage of total alcohol, 31.563 ; and percentage of free alcohol, 15.903. The oil 

 gave as color reactions with sulphuric acid, an intense red ; with nitric acid, 

 a brownish red ; and with hydrochloric acid, a greenish red color. 



Power alcohol: Proposals for its production and utilization in Australia 

 {Aust. Advisory Council Sci. and Indus. Bui. 6 {1918), pp. 69, figs. 2). — This 

 publication includes a general discussion of the question of liquid fuels in Aus- 

 tralia, the advantages of alcohol as a fuel, the available sources for its produc- 

 tion with the relative cost of the product from each source, the engine problem 

 witli proposed alterations necessary to existing types of internal-combustion 

 engines, the utilization of by-products in distillation of alcohol, and Government 

 regulation for the manufacture and denaturation of industrial alcohol. 



The crops suggested as promising for cultivation as raw material for the 

 manufacture of power alcohol are green sorghum stalkJs, sorghum grain, cassava, 

 and sweet potatoes. As these crops are not grown at all or only on a small 

 scale in Australia at the present time, their development may lead to the culti- 

 vation of areas unsuited for other crops, and so may assist in diversification. 



