60 REDTENBACHER ON THE COMPOSITION OF STEARIC 
Per cent. 
“A 
GH +a 
I. Il. Equiv. 
Carbon .....85°15 . 85°12 SV Fea’ “eee 
Hydrogen 14:08 . 1418 . 1 . 12°48 . 14°04 
Oxypen O77 °.. 0-70 
88°92  100°00 
Thus all the products of the distillation of stearic acid have 
been determined, and the result is as follows :— 
The atom of stearic acid is resolved by distillation into hy- 
drated margaric acid, margarone, water, carbonic acid, and a 
carburetted hydrogen. 
The evolution of carbonic acid in so small a quantity had al- 
ready been noticed by that acute observer Chevreul, as well as 
the formation of water, which, from time to time, during the 
whole distillation, gives rise to small explosions, even when both 
the retort and substance employed are perfectly dry, thus in- 
dicating the sudden formation of steam. 
At the same time the nearly unchanged melting point of the 
product of the distillation of stearic acid is explained, notwith- 
standing margaric acid, fusible at 60° C, (140° F.), was formed, 
for it is the margarone, fusible at 77° C. (171° F.), which so 
elevates the melting point. 
In contact with lime a body is formed having a melting point 
of 82° C. (180° F.); its formation, however, is perfectly ex- 
plained, if it be remembered that it contains the constituents of 
margarone, plus those of a carburetted hydrogen. 
These results, therefore, are quite analogous to those ordina- 
rily observed in processes of distillation; the atom of a bibasic 
acid is resolved into water, and a monobasic acid which, still 
further decomposed, gives carbonic acid and a body similar to 
acetone; and lastly, there is formed a carburetted hydrogen, as 
the last product of the splitting of the organic atom in the ab- 
sence of oxygen. The foregoing suggests the following scheme: 
6 equiv. Hydrated margaric acid . . CH O* 
Ter geen ater 8S. FET H' O! 
Li eeopMiarmarene . . Wh yp eae 
. O SPeiGaPbonie acid. 6 fe Sy ee ne O° 
Polymeric carburetted hydrogen . . C% H* 
4 equiv. Hydrated stearic acid . . . C*? H°? O*% 
