314 BENZYL ALCOHOL. 



Metanitrobenzyl alcohol, C 6 H 4 (N0 2 ).CH 2 .OH, is 

 formed together with potassium nitrobenzoate by heat- 

 ing nitrobenzylic aldehyde with alcoholic potassa. 

 Thick oil, that cannot be distilled without decomposi- 

 tion. 



Paranitrobenzyl alcohol, C 6 H 4 (N0 2 ).CH 2 .OH. The 



acetic ether of this alcohol (long, pale yellow needles, 

 fusing at 78) is produced by adding benzyl acetate to 

 cold concentrated nitric acid. By heating with aqueous 

 ammonia to 100, the alcohol is obtained from this. 

 Colorless, fine needles ; fusing point, 93. Easily solu- 

 ble in hot water and ammonia, but slightly in cold water. 

 Dissolved in very concentrated nitric acid, it is con- 

 verted into dinitrobenzyl alcohol, C 6 IP(N0 2 ) 2 .CH 2 .OH. 

 (Colorless needles, fusing at 71.) 



Benzyl sulphydrate (Benzylmercaptan), C 6 IF. 

 CH 2 .SH. Is producing by mixing an alcoholic solution 

 of potassium sulphydrate with benzyl chloride, a spon- 

 taneous evolution of heat accompanying the action. 

 It is thrown down on the addition of water. Color- 

 less, highly refracting liquid of an unpleasant leeky 

 odor ; boiling point, 194-195. Yields with mercury 

 oxide a mercaptide, that crystallizes well. 



Benzyl sulphide, (C 6 H 5 .CH 2 ) 2 S, is formed when an 

 alcoholic solution of potassium sulphide is mixed with 

 benzyl chloride, a strong evolution of heat accompany- 

 the action. Long, colorless needles or laminae. Insolu- 

 ble in water, easily soluble in alcohol and ether. Fuses 

 at 49. Not volatile without decomposition. Nitric 

 acid converts it into benzyl si^^Aoa:^,(C 6 H 5 .CH 2 ) 2 SO, a 

 substance that crystallizes in colorless laminae, fusing 

 at 130. 



Benzyl disulphide, (C 6 H 5 .CH 2 ) 2 S 2 , is formed from 

 benzyl sulphide by oxidation in contact with the air, 

 particularly when a solution of the latter containing 

 ammonia is evaporated in the air. Colorless, shiny 

 laminae. Insoluble in water, difficultly soluble in cold 



