Dr. A; von Planta and M\\ W. Wallace on Apiine. 223 



yet did not give the reactions of carbazotic acid, it is probable 

 that iu this case the residue was merely apiine with some nitric 

 acid, forming a weak combination like that of nitric acid with 

 starch. The vdtimate results of oxidation by means of nitric acid 

 are probably carbonic acid and water. 



5 Action of peroxide of manganese and dilute sulphwic acid. 

 Pure apiine was heated in a small distilling apparatus with 



peroxide of manganese and dilute sulphuric acid. A liquid and 

 a gas were the products. 



The gas was conducted through lime-water, on which a tm'- 

 bidness instantly ensued, showing the presence of carbonic acid. 



The liquid which distilled over was clear and transparent, and 

 had the odour of formic acid. Its reaction was intensely acid. 

 Mixed with solution of nitrate of silver and gently warmed, the 

 oxide of silver was immediately reduced, a small quantity of gas 

 at the same time escaping, indicating the presence of formic 

 acid. 



A portion of the liquid was mixed with excess of oxide of lead, 

 and digested for some time, after which the reaction of the clear 

 liquid was decidedly and powerfully alkaline, showing the for- 

 mation of a basic salt of lead, and being a probable indication of 

 acetic acid. To render this more certain, a portion of the liquid 

 was taken, in which the formic acid was completely decomposed 

 by peroxide of mercmy : it was then filtered, and the filtrate 

 mixed with sulphuric acid and alcohol and boiled, when the 

 characteristic odour of acetic lether was strongly manifested, 

 pro\ing beyond a doubt the presence of acetic acid. 



In explanation of the decomposition, the following foiinula 

 may be given : — 



6 equivalents hydrated formic acid . . . . C'^ H*^ 0^* 



2 ... ... acetic acid . . . . C « H « « 



4 ... carbonic acid C * O ^ 



Apune + 6 eq. water + 21 eq. oxygen = C^* H^o O"" 



6. Action of chlorine on a solution of apiine. 



Chlorine gas was passed into a hot solution of apiine in water : 

 a precipitate fell. ^Mien this was collected, washed and dried, 

 and heated on a knife, the odour of hydrochloric acid was pei-- 

 ceptible. Boiled with water some gas seemed to be evolved, 

 which was not chlorine ; perhaps it was oxygen. 



Possibly this maybe a feeble combination of apiine with chlo- 

 rine, resembling the iodide and bromide of starch, which boiled 

 with water deconi])oses it, forming hydrochloric acid and libera- 

 ting oxygen. Braconnot mentions this substance, and states that 

 picric acid is formed during its production. We did not find it. 



