On the Action of Iodine on volatile and fixed Oils. 209 
combine with the solution of iodine in turpentine, and form ho- 
‘mogeneous fluids. Phosphorus soon destroys the colour of the 
‘solution of iodine in turpentine, the fluid acquires the odour of 
phosphorus, and reddens litmus paper; probably in this case 
the hydroiodic acid is formed. Alkalies also readily change the 
colour of solution of iodine in turpentine, and form yellowish sa- 
ponaceous substances. When heat is applied to the solution of 
iodine in turpentine, a portion of the oil distills over unaltered ; 
but as the solution becomes more concentrated, @ dense yellowish- 
-brown oil rises, which holds the iodine in solution. 
The affinity of turpentine for iodine is much greater than that 
of water ; hence turpentine readily separates iodine from its so- 
lution in water. This effect is immediately produced by merely 
‘agitating an aqueous solution of iodine in contact with turpen- 
tine ; the water becomes colourless, and.the turpentine assumes 
a reddish colour. In this way, an aqueous solution of iodine 
‘made above twelve months since, was immediately decomposed 
by turpentine. A piece of cork, also, after being acted upon by 
iodine for several months, so as to become soft and of a dark- 
brown colour, yielded in water a solution of iodine of a brownish 
yellow colour, which by agitation with turpentine became co- 
lourless, and at the same time the oil acquired’a fine red colour. 
Turpentine, also, separates iodine from its aqueous solution, in 
cases when the mineral acids and a number of metallic salts are 
present ; as the sulphuric, nitric and muriatic acids, the sulphate 
of zine, muriate of platinum, nitrate of nickel, &c. 
The property of separating iodine from its solution in water, 
ether possesses in common with turpentine. When chlorine is 
‘passed through a solution of iodine in turpentine, the colour of 
the solution gradually disappears. ‘The iode of chlorine acts 
‘strongly on turpentine, and readily dissolves in it.. I put about 
‘half a grain of iodine into a platinum spoon, and introduced it 
into a bottle of chlorine ; the iodine melted, and readily formed 
the yellow iode of chlorine. I then poured a little turpentine into 
the spoon, when a violent action took place ; the iode was par- 
tially decomposed, and a portion of its iodine rose in vapour ; the 
remainder of the iode dissolved easily in turpentine, and formed 
a solution of a red colour, which, on being exposed to the action 
of the solar rays for a short time, became colourless, but did not 
affect litmus paper. I witnessed an interesting result on submit- 
‘ting the red solution of the iode of chlorine in turpentine to the 
action of chlorine. A platinum spoon. being filled with this so- 
lution, was put into a bottle of chlorine ; it presently began to 
boil, its colour disappeared, and the fluid burst into flame; a 
‘black carbonaceous matter, arising from the decomposition of 
‘thé turpentine, deposited itself on the sides of the bottle. Being 
* Vol. 59. No. 287, March 1822, Dd desirous 
