270 Researches respecting the radical of Benzoic Acid. 



the decomposition of water. In the former case it would be com- 

 posed according to the formula C 1 4 H 1 2 O, in the latter the formula 



C ,4 H 14 2 . 



After the determining of this point, and a reviewing of the com- 



■ 



bining relations of bitter almond oil yet to be considered, we believe 

 it naturally follows that this oil is in its pure state a hydrogen com- 

 pound, wherein the radical of benzoic acid is combined with 2 atoms 

 of hydrogen, instead of with oxygen as in the acid. This radical as 

 yet unobtained insulated, is composed of C ■ 4 H l ° O 3 . We call it 

 benzoyl, (the ending from uXt> material, matter,) The consequent 

 name for the pure oil of bitter almonds is hydrobenzbyl (hydroguret 

 of benzoyl,) and for the benzoic acid, benzbylic acid, (benzoyl acid.) 

 We will however use the common names benzoic acid and bitter al- 

 mond oil, except in theoretical demonstrations. We will see how 

 easily the remaining relations, to which we now come, will be per- 

 ceived and comprehended. 



Chlorobenzoyl. — If through the bitter almond oil w r e conduct dry 

 chlorine gas, the latter is absorbed with considerable heat, and hydro- 

 chloric acid is evolved ; but besides this, no other product which war- 

 rants the conclusion of a farther decomposition. As soon as the for- 

 mation of hydrochloric acid begins to cease, the liquid becomes yel- 

 low from the solution of chlorine, but the overcharge of this gas is 

 again expelled by boiling. Finally, if the liquid, be heated to boil- 

 ing, in contact with chlorine, and the formation of hydrochloric acid 

 is no longer perceived, we obtain a new compound, perfectly pure. 

 This is the chlorobenzoyl, (chloride of benzoyl.) 



The chlorobenzoyl, is a transparent fluid of the sp. gr. 1.196. It 

 possesses a peculiar odor in the highest degree penetrating; in par- 

 ticular, strongly affecting the eyes, and reminding us of the pungent 

 odor of horse-radish. Its boiling point is very high : it is inflammable, 

 burning with a bright, green-edged, sooty flame. 



It sinks in water as an oil, without solution. After a considerable 

 time, or sooner by boiling, it separates entirely into crystallized ben- 

 zoic acid and hydro-chloric acid. It suffers the same change if kept 

 in moist air for a length of time. If chlorine be conducted through 

 a mixture of hydrobenzoyl and water, the oil disappears, and the 

 water congeals into a crystalline mass of benzoic acid. 



The chloride of benzoyl may be distilled unchanged over anby- 

 drated baryta and lime. 



