DERIVATIVES OF ETHYL ALCOHOL. 63 



from mercury and ethyl iodide in dispersed light. 

 Both compounds form iridescent scales; of an un- 

 pleasant odor, volatile without decomposition. The 

 iodide is decomposed by silver oxide, forming silver 

 iodide and mercuryethyl hydroxide C 2 H 5 .Hg.OH. An 

 oleaginous, almost colorless, strongly akaline liquid, 

 easily soluble in alcohol and water. The solution pre- 

 cipitates solutions of metallic salts the same as potassa, 

 and expels ammonia from its salts. "With acids it 

 yields crystallizing salts. 



Aluminiumethyl, (C 2 H 5 ) 3 A1, is produced by heat- 

 ing mercuryethyl with aluminium-filings at 100*. 

 Colorless liquid, boils at 194, does not congeal at 

 18. Gives off fumes in the air and in thin layers 

 takes fire spontaneously. Is decomposed by water, 

 with explosion. 



Leadtetrethyl, (C 2 H 5 ) 4 Pb, is formed from zincethyl 

 and lead chloride, metallic lead being thrown down. 

 Colorless, oily liquid, boiling at 198-202, under- 

 going at the same time partial decomposition. Does 

 not combine with oxygen, chlorine, or iodine. 



Leadtriethyl (Methplumbethyl), (C 2 H 5 ) 6 Pb 2 ,, is pro- 

 duced by bringing together ethyl iodide and an alloy 

 of lead and sodium (PKN"a 3 ) an evolution of heat 

 accompanying the reaction. When the reaction is 

 ended, the substance is extracted with ether. Thin, 

 yellowish oil, not volatile without decomposition; 

 insoluble in water ; specific gravity, 1.471. Is decom- 

 posed when exposed to the light or boiled for some 

 time with water, lead being thrown down. With 

 iodine it yields a very unstable iodide (C 2 H 5 ) 3 PbI. 

 The corresponding chlorine compound (C 2 H 5 ) 3 PbCl is 

 formed in long needles of a silken lustre by the 

 action of hydrochloric acid gas on leadtetrethyl, the 

 reaction being accompanied by an escape of ethyl 

 hydride. Both compounds give, with water and silver 

 oxide, leadtriethyl hydroxide (C 2 H 5 ) 3 Pb.OH. Colorless, 

 thick liquid, but slightly soluble in water, strong 



