570 



The product of the oxidation of boric ethide is therefore the di- 

 ethylate of a body which maybe conveniently named boric dioxyethide, 



. The formation of diethylate of boric dioxyethide from 

 boric ethide may be thus represented : 



t- o 4 = 



Boric ethide. Diethylate of boric dioxyethide. 



This compound dissolves instantly in water, and is resolved into 

 alcohol and a volatile white crystalline body, which may be sublimed 

 without change, at a gentle heat, in a stream of carbonic acid, and 

 then condenses in magnificent crystalline plates like naphthaline. 

 The analytical results yielded by this body agree closely with the 

 formula 



BJHO,' 



IHO| 



It is therefore obviously produced by the substitution of two atoms 

 of hydrogen for two of ethyl in diethylate of boric dioxyethide : 



C\ EL CC 4 II 



Diethylate of boric Dihydrate of boric Alcohol, 



dioxyethide. dioxyethide. 



Dihydrate of boric dioxyethide possesses an agreeable etherial 

 odour and a most intensely sweet taste, Exposed to the air it 

 evaporates slowly at ordinary temperatures, undergoing at the same 

 time partial decomposition, and invariably leaving a slight residue of 

 boracic acid. Its vapour tastes intensely sweet. It reddens litmus 

 paper, although in other respects its acid qualities are very obscure. 

 It is very soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Exposed to a gentle 

 heat it fuses, and at a higher temperature boils with partial decom- 

 position. 



We are at present engaged with the further study of these bodies, 

 and with the corresponding reactions of zincethyl upon silicic, car- 

 bonic, and oxalic ethers. 



