192 



(C.Hy'1 -| |-C 2 H, 



(C.H.). 



(C.H.), 



=3A g i+ % p 



The tri-iodide which forms the subject of this Note is not the only 

 product of the reaction between iodoform and triethylphosphine. 

 There are other compounds formed, especially when the iodoform is 

 employed in great excess. The nature of these bodies, which may 

 be divined from the examination of the corresponding compounds in 

 the diatomic series, is not yet fixed by experiment. 



I have satisfied myself that chloroform and bromoform act like 

 iodoform upon triethylphosphine. 



The phosphorus-base acts, even at the common temperature, upon 

 tribromide of allyl. The mixture of the two bodies solidifies into a 

 crystalline mass, in the examination of which I am engaged. 



The reactions which I have pointed out in this Note have induced 

 me to extend my experiments to tetratomic bodies. The chloride of 

 carbon, C 2 C1 4 , obtained by the final substitution of chlorine for the 

 hydrogen in marsh-gas, appeared to promise accessible results. On 

 submitting this body, remarkable for its great indifference under 

 ordinary circumstances, to the influence of triethylphosphine, I have 

 observed with astonishment a most powerful reaction. Every drop 

 of triethylphosphine which is poured into the chloride of carbon, 

 hisses like water falling upon red-hot iron. On cooling, the mixture 

 solidifies into a mass of white crystals, which will be the subject of a 

 special communication. 



December 15, 1859. 



Sir BENJAMIN C. BRODIE, Bart., President, in the Chair. 

 Samuel Husbands Beckles, Esq., was admitted into the Society. 



In accordance with Notice given at the last Meeting, the Right 

 Honourable Edward Lord Stanley, Member of Her Majesty's Privy 

 Council, was proposed for election and immediate ballot ; and the 

 ballot having been taken, his Lordship was declared duly elected. 



