DERIVATIVES OF ETHYL ALCOHOL. 47 



of alcohol, and 10 parts of iodine. Very similar to 

 the bromide. Boiling point, 72; specific gravity, 

 1.975. 



Propionitrile (Ethyl cyanide), C 3 H 5 E" = C 2 H 5 .CN', 

 is prepared by distilling a mixture of potassium 

 cyanide and potassium ethylsulphate, or of ammo- 

 nium propionate and phosphoric andydride. Colorless 

 liquid, specific gravity, 0.787 ; boiling point, 98 ; in a 

 pure condition possessing a pleasant odor; does not 

 mix with water. Combines directly with bromine, 

 with hydrochloric, hydrobromic, and hydriodic acids, 

 with phosphorus terchloride, and several metallic sub- 

 chlorides. Heated with caustic potassa it is trans- 

 formed into ammonia and potassium propionate; 

 hydrogen in statu nascendi converts it into propyla- 

 mine. When allowed to drop gradually on potassium 

 a violent reaction and the formation of potassium 

 cyanide and volatile products ensue, and it is trans- 

 formed into cyanethine, C 9 H 15 K 3 , which is polymeric 

 with ethyl cyanide. This substance crystallizes in 

 colorless and inodorous laminae, is difficultly soluble in 

 water, and possesses strong basic properties. 



Ethylcarbylamine, C 3 H 5 E" == C 2 H 5 .^"C (isomeric 

 with propionitrile), is produced with a violent reaction 

 when an alcoholic solution of ethylamine is poured 

 upon caustic potassa, or when silver cyanide is heated 

 with ethyl iodide. It is also formed in small quantity, 

 as a secondary product, in the preparation of propio- 

 nitrile from potassium ethylsulphate. Oily liquid, 

 lighter than water, of an unendurable, garlic-like odor. 

 Boiling point, 79. Unites with silver cyanide, form- 

 ing a crystalline compound ; is with great difficulty 

 decomposed by means of potassa, easily by hydro- 

 chloric acid, yielding ethylamine and formic acid, the 

 elements of water being assimilated for the purpose. 



Ethylether, (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0. Is formed by the action 

 of sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, or anhydrous zinc 

 subchloride and a few similar metallic chlorides on 



