152 METALLOIDS. 



359. NASCENT CHLORINE. Nascent chlo- 



What ts the . 



action of nas- rme, in its action on the metals, is the most 

 cent chlorine* powerful agent known. Even the noble 



metals yield to its power, and waste away in the liquid 

 which contains it. The term nascent signifies being 

 born, or in the act of formation. 



What is the 360< A11 ases are most ener getic, in 



general fact their action at the first moment of their 



in relation to . 



nascent bo- separation from compounds which contain 

 them, and while they may be regarded as 

 still retaining the solid form themselves. The subse- 

 quent expansion into the gaseous form, diminishes their 

 energy. 



36.1. Nascent chlorine is best obtained 



How is nas- .. , * i i i i i / . 



cent chlorine by mixing hydrochloric acid with half its 



best obtained? bu j k of strong n i tr [ c aci( j. g uch a mix _ 



ture is called aqua regia. The latter acid compels the 

 former to yield a constant supply of its own chlorine in 

 the nascent condition. It does this, by means of its oxy- 

 gen, which seizes upon the hydrogen of the hydrochlo- 

 rine acid, forming water, and sets its chlorine at liberty. 

 The remnant of the nitric acid escapes, as in the case 

 of its action on metals hereafter described. 



362. CHLORINE DECOMPOSES WATER. 



Does chlorine . 



decompose wa- 11 chlorine water be exposed to the sun 

 for some days, it loses its green color. 

 The chlorine combines with the hy- 

 drogen of the water, forming hydro- 

 chloric acid, and sets its oxygen at 

 liberty. If the experiment be made in 

 a bottle, inverted in water, so that the 



