350 On two new Compounds 
two days the retorts containing the substances were lined with 
crystals, which, on examination under the microscope, proved 
to be quadrangular plates, resembling those of the perchloride 
of carbon. There were also some rhomboidal crystals here and 
there. After the formation of these crystals, there was conside- 
rable absorption in the retort; hence chlorine had combined; 
and the gas which remained was chlorine unmixed with any 
thing else, except a slight impurity. The solid body, on ex- 
amination, was found to he volatile, soluble in alcohol, precipi- 
table by water, and had the smell and other properties of per- 
chloride of carbon. Hence, though heat in separating chlorine 
from the perchloride of carbon produces its decomposition, light 
occasions its reproduction, 
Jt dissolves iodine very readily, and forms a brilliant red solu- 
tion, similar in colour to that made by putting iodine into sul- 
phuret of carbon, or chloric ether. It does not exert any further 
action on iodine at common temperatures. ' 
An electric spark passed through a mixture of the vapour of 
the chloride with hydrogen, does not cause any detonation ; but 
when a number are passed, the decomposition is gradually ef- 
fected, and muriatic acid is formed. When hydrogen and the 
vapour of the protochloride are passed through a red-hot tube, 
there is a complete decomposition effected, muriatic acid gas 
being formed, and charcoal deposited. The mixed vapour and 
gas burn with flame as they arrive in the hot part of the tube. 
The vapour of the protochloride detonates readily by the electric 
spark with a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gases, and a com- 
plete decomposition is effected, It will not detonate with the 
vapour of water. 
Sulphur and phosphorus both dissolve in it, but exert no de- 
composing action at temperatures at, or below, the boiling point 
of the chloride. The hot solution of sulphur becomes a solid 
crystalline mass by cooling. Phosphorus decomposes it at a red 
heat. 
Its action on metals is very similar to that of the perchloride. 
When passed over them at a red head, it forms chlorides, and 
liberates charcoal. Potassium does not act on it immediately 
at common temperatures; but, when heated in its vapour, burns 
brilliantly, and deposits charcoal. 
When passed over heated metallic oxides, chlorides of the 
metals are formed, and carbonic oxide, or carbonic acid, ac- 
cording to the state of oxidation of the metal. When its vapour 
is transmitted over heated lime, baryta, or strontia, the same 
brilliant combustion is produced as with the perchloride. 
While engaged in analysing this chloride of carbon, for the 
purpose of ascertaining the proportions of its elements, | endea- 
voured, 
