ELISHA MITCHELL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 99 



No. XXXV. 



ACTION OF CHLOROUS ACID UPON HEPTYLEN 



ROBERT G. GRTSSOM. 



The lieptane from Pinus Sabiniana has been shown by Schor- 

 lemnier to be propably a normal heptane. The heptylen nsed 

 in the following experiments was prepared from this heptane by 

 first brominating it and then acting upon the secondary bromide 

 formed with sodium eihylate. It was found that the best results 

 were secured by allowing the sodium ethylate to act from twelve 

 to twenty-four hours in the cold and then distilling off the hep- 

 tylen and alcoiiol together. The end of the condenser tube may 

 dip underneatli water or, better end just above the surface of it, 

 thus separating the alcohol from the heptylen. The latter does 

 not seem to be soluble in water to any extent. This heptylen 

 was dried, re-distilled and the portion boiling at 98 — 100° was 

 used for the experiments. 



The chlorous acid was formed by the action of sulphuric acid, 

 diluted with two parts of water, on a mixture of potassium chlo- 

 rate with half its weight of oxalic acid. The stream of chlorous 

 acid gas mixed with carbon dioxide, thus produced, was then 

 led into the tube containing the heptylen. To start the evolution 

 of the gases the small flask containing the potassium chlorate 

 and oxalic acid mixed with sulphuric acid was gently warmed by 

 placing it in warm water. Application of cold svater was used 

 to moderate the action when necessary. Only ten or fifteen 

 grammes of potassium chlorate were used at one time. 



Following the directions of Domac (Annalen d. Chemie 213, 

 p. 12o), the heptylen (about 110 grammes) was placed in four 

 tall test-tubes so that each was a little over half full. These were 

 properly connected with the flask for generating the gases and 

 were surrounded by ice-water. The gas delivery tube ended just 

 above the surface of the heptylen, thus adopting Domac's pre- 



