PICOLINE. 131 



properties. (Hofmann,* and Hofmann and Muspratt.f) Finally, 

 a base has been discovered in which aniline is combined with the 

 adjunct cyanilide, C 12 (H 6 Cy) N ; to this the name of melaniline 

 has been applied. ( Hofmann. J) 



Preparation. This body very frequently occurs as a product of 

 the decomposition of nitrogenous matters ; thus, for instance, it is 

 found among the products of the dry distillation of animal 

 substances, as bone-oil (Anderson. ). As it had previously 

 been obtained in various ways, it received several different names, 

 as cyanol, benzidame, and crystalline, before its identity was fully 

 established. It is most easily obtained in a state of purity by 

 heating anthranilic acid, (C 14 H 6 NO 3 +HO=:2CO 2 + C 12 H 7 N,) or 

 phenate of ammonia, (H 4 NO.C 12 H 5 O=2HO + C 12 H 7 N,) or from 

 nitrobenzide and sulphuretted hydrogen, (C 12 H 5 NO 4 + 6HS=6S 

 + 4HO + C 12 H 7 N.) 



Tests. We have already pointed out the manner in which 

 aniline reacts with hypochlorite of lime, and nitric and chromic 

 acids; by these tests we can easily recognise it even when it is not 

 exhibited in a perfectly pure state. 



Physiological Relations. 



It is remarkable that this substance, which affects the organism 

 so unpleasantly from its smell and taste, should, according to 

 Wohler and French's experiments, || be free from all poisonous 

 action. 



PICOLINE. C 12 H 7 N. 



Properties. This body, which was formerly called pyrrol, is 

 also a thin fluid, having a penetrating, rank, aromatic odour, and 

 a burning bitter taste ; it remains fluid at 20, evaporates at an 

 ordinary temperature, boils at 133, and its specific gravity =0*95 5 ; 

 it turns red litmus blue, does not change on exposure to the atmo- 

 sphere, and does not coagulate albumen. It is not coloured by 

 chloride of lime, and experiences no alteration from chromic acid. 



Its Composition resembles that of aniline. 



Combinations. With acids it forms bitter tasting salts, soluble 



* Ann. d. Ch. u. Pharm. Bd. 53, S. 40-57. 



t Ibid. Bd. 57,8.201-224. 



J Ibid. Bd. 67, S. 61-78, and Bd. 68, S. 129-174. 



Phil. Mag. 3 Ser., vol. 33, p. 185. 



|| Ann. d. Ch. u. Pharm. Bd. 65, S. 340. 



K 2 



