40 



Thiacetate of Ethyl. Sulphuretted Acetic Ether. This compound 

 may be prepared by the action of pentasulphide of phosphorus on 

 acetic ether. It is a liquid lighter than water, and possesses an 

 odour resembling acetic ether and sulphuretted hydrogen. It boils 

 at about 80 C. 



It will be seen that the action of tersulphide and pentasulphide of 

 phosphorus above described produces sulphuretted organic com- 

 pounds by substituting sulphur for oxygen. The compounds ob- 

 tained in this way may also be formed by replacing one or two 

 atoms of hydrogen in sulphuretted hydrogen (H 2 S), or one or two 

 atoms of metal in sulphide of potassium (K 2 S), or in sulphide of 

 hydrogen and potassium (KHS), by organic radicals. Mercaptan 

 and the sulphides of alcohol radicals have, in fact, been long ob- 

 tained in this manner. 



The formation of a sulphuretted compound containing an acid 

 radical has been observed by Gerhardt by acting on sulphide of 

 lead with chloride of othyl. I have not made many experiments of 

 this kind, but I have observed that chloride of benzoyle is not de- 

 composed by sulphuretted hydrogen, while it (as well as chloride of 

 othyl) gives a reaction with sulphide of hydrogen and potassium 

 yielding chloride of potassium. 



I am continuing these researches, and believe the above reactions 

 will furnish many new compounds, and will tend to complete our 

 knowledge of some of those organic and inorganic compounds now 

 known. 



The Society then adjourned to the 27th of April. 



