AKTIFICIAL MUSK. 457 



have no effect on amber oil. Treatment with animal charcoal and 

 other decolorising agents does not in the least improve the 

 colour of the oil. On rectifying oil of amber, first water is 

 obtained, then a yellow oil, followed by a green oil, and lastly a 

 dark green oil. The temperature during distillation ranges 

 between 150^ and 360^ C. A tarry matter remains behind, 

 amounting to about 1") per cent, of the crude oil used. The 

 distillates obtained still possess the repugnant odour of the 

 original oil. Jolles says : — * " By carrying out the distillation, 

 however, in a current of steam, almost odourless distillates are 

 obtained. These distillates can be bleached by adding to them 

 about 8 per cent, of permanganate of potash or bichromate of potash, 

 together with the required quantity of dilute sulphuric acid. The 

 oil is then left to separate from the water, the latter is drawn oft', 

 the oil completely dehydrated by addition of common salt or 

 plaster of Paris, and then filtered. About 7 to 9 per cent, of the 

 oil is lost in the bleachinc^." 



The following processes have been recommended for preparing 

 the Artificial Musk:— 



1^ — Oil of amber 1 fluid drachm : nitric acid 3 J fluid drachms. 

 Digest in a cooled glass vessel, and after 24 hours wash in cold 

 water the orange-yellow resinous matter which has formed and 

 carefully dry it. 



2*^ — Oil of amber 1 part, fuming nitric acid 3 parts, treatment 

 as above, but employing artificial cold to prevent any portion of 

 the oil being carbonised. Eisner proposed to call the artificial 

 musk " Resin of Eupione of Amber." 



=" Dins. Polvt. Jnl. 



