152 
corresponding to 
1) 7640, H and 75:42%/, C 
2) 708 so 
3) 2 EB ae Ze 
It is very diffieult to find a formula which would be in har- 
mony with the above results and express at the same time the: 
relation of the reduction product to bixin. We must postpone there- 
fore any definite statements in this respect until the time when 
our knowledge of the chemical nature of the reduction produet .is 
more complete, the more so as in view of the great changeability 
of the substance under the influence of air the above analytical 
results may not be absolutely reliable. That the reduction produet 
of bixin undergoes some ehange under the influence of air can be 
noticed already by a superficial examination of preparations kept 
for some time in desicators in the presence of air. The original 
bright orange colour gradually fades and after a few days an all- 
most white substance results. This change takes place rapidly at 
a somewhat elevated temperature, for instance at 100°. With the 
change of colour goes hand in hand the fall of the melting point. 
We have analyzed three samples of this changed produet and 
the results point unmistakeably to an oxidation process. All the 
samples were kept in the presence of air before being analyzed 
as long as an increase of their weight took place. 
0:1611 g subst. gave 0'0861 g H,O, 03438 g CO, 
01088 5, =. COUPON Dos 
01165 00618 , , , 02507, „ 
n n n 
corresponding to: 
1): 050 SEP 58 20/0 
2) SAR DS CORRE 
D:8 
3) 588, n 58:68 „ ” 
This behaviour of the reduction produet of bixin is no doubt 
highly interesting as it supports the view formerly expressed con- 
cerning the relation of bixin to lipochroms. The latter are easily 
oxidisable; earotene for instance eonnot be kept for any length of 
time in the presence of air and similarly behaves the reduction 
produet of bixin. The study of the optical properties of the latter, 
