519 



The second column of the following Table sets forth the series of 

 substances thus theoretically suggested : 



N 2 . 



The method for producing these diatomic compounds appeared 

 likewise obvious. Bearing in mind the simple transformation of 

 benzol into nitrobenzol and aniline, 



C 6 H 6 C 6 H 5 NO 2 C 6 H 5 H 2 N 



Benzol. Nitrobenzol. Phenylamine. 



the idea very naturally suggested itself, to look to dinitrobenzol as 



the source from which phenylene-diamine might reasonably be 



expected to arise. 



C 6 H 6 C 6 H 4 N0 2 C 6 H 4 H N 



N0 2 H a N 



Benzol. Dinitrobenzol. Phenylene-diamine. 



Nor have chemists failed to pursue the path pointed out by theory. 

 In conjunction with Dr. Muspratt I have myself, many years ago, 

 examined this reaction. We did not, however, succeed in producing 

 the desired result, although our exertions were rewarded by the 

 discovery of nitrophenylamine (nitraniline), 



C 6 H 6 C 6 H 4 N0 2 C 6 H 4 NO 2 



N0 2 H 2 N 



Benzol. Dinitrobenzol. Nitrophenylamine. 



which, being the first basic nitro-compound with which chemists 

 became acquainted, withdrew our attention for the time from the 

 original object of the inquiry. 



Nitrophenylamine being obviously the first product of the action 

 of reducing agents on dinitrobenzol, it appeared very probable that the 

 further reduction of the nitro-base or the prolonged treatment of 

 dinitrobenzol itself might furnish the compound. I have repeatedly 



