133 



Analysis shewed the composition of thebaine to be represented 

 by the formula C^g H.,j NOg. 



The Hydrochlorate of Thebaine is obtained by adding to thebaine 

 an alcoholic solution of hydrochloric acid until the base is dissolved, 

 excess being carefully avoided. On standing, the salt is deposited 

 in fine rhomboidal crystals, often of considerable size. Their for- 

 mula, when dried at 212°, is Cgg H,i NOg HC1 + 2H0. 



Platinochloride of Thebaine is obtained as a yellow powder, 

 slightly soluble in boiling water. The formula is Cgg Hj^ NOg 

 HClPtCl2 + 2HO. 



The author then proceeds to detail the phenomena attendant on 

 the action of nitric acid on narcotine. When concentrated nitric 

 acid is added to narcotine, very violent action takes place, and a 

 fluid is obtained which, on evaporation, yields an amorphous orange 

 residue. When the acid is employed in a dilute state, and at a 

 temperature not exceeding 120°, the narcotine slowly dissolves, and 

 when the solution is complete, the fluid deposits a small quantity of 

 a substance to which the author gives the name of tcropiammon, 

 and which is represented by the formula Cg^ Hg^ NOjg, and is de- 

 rived from three equivalents of opianic acid and one of ammonia, 

 minus the elements of four equivalents of water. The fluid which 

 has deposited this substance contains cotarmnc, which is precipitated 

 by potash ; and the potash solution contains, according to the extent 

 to which the oxidation has gone, either opianic or hemipinic acid, or 

 a third substance, to which the author gives the name of opianyl, 

 and which is represented by the formula C,,, Hj^ Og. The author 

 describes the properties of this substance and its hydrate. He then 

 details the properties of certain compounds of opianic and hemipinic 

 aicds, from which he comes to the conclusion that the latter is a 

 bibasic acid, and is correctly represented by the formula Cjj, Hj^^ O^j. 

 An acid potash salt, and an acid ether, hemipinovinic acid, are de- 

 scribed. 



The cotarnine, which is formed by the action of dilute nitric acid 

 on narcotine, when treated with stronger acid, undergoes a further 

 decomposition, and yields a variety of products, which are obviously 

 the result of several different decompositions occurring simulta- 

 neously. The most abundant product of this action is a crystallis- 

 able acid possessing all the characters of Wohler's apophyllic acid. 

 It is best obtained by treating cotarnine with moderately strong 



