160 On some new Products [1825. 



substance became solid and of a fine red colour, which dis- 

 appeared upon fusion. The odour of the substance with the 

 acid was exceedingly like that of almonds, and it is probable 

 that hydrocyanic acid was formed. When washed with water, 

 it appeared to have undergone little or no change. 



Sulphuric acid added to it over mercury exerted a moderate 

 action upon it, little or no heat was evolved, no blackening 

 took place, no sulphurous acid was formed ; but the acid 

 became of a light yellow colour, and a portion of a clear 

 colourless fluid floated, which appeared to be a product of the 

 action. When separated, it was found to be bright and clear, 

 not affected by water or more sulphuric acid, solidifying at 

 about 34, and being then white, crystalline, and dendritical. 

 The substance was lighter than water, soluble in alcohol, the 

 solution being precipitated by a small quantity of water, but 

 becoming clear by great excess*. 



With regard to the composition of this substance^ my ex- 

 periments tend to prove it a binary compound of carbon and 

 hydrogen, two proportionals of the former element being united 

 to one of the latter. The absence of oxygen is proved by the 

 inaction of potassium, and the results obtained when passed 

 through a red-hot tube. 



The following is a result obtained when it was passed in 



* The action of sulphuric acid on this and the other compounds to be 

 described is very remarkable. It is frequently accompanied with heat ; and 

 large quantities of those bodies which have elasticity enough to exist as 

 vapours when alone at common pressures, are absorbed. No sulphurous acid 

 is produced ; nor when the acid is diluted does any separation of the gas, 

 vapour, or substance take place, except of a small portion of a peculiar pro- 

 duct resulting from the action of the acid on the substances, and dissolved by 

 it. The acid combines directly with carbon and hydrogen ; and I find when 

 united with bases forms a peculiar class of salts, somewhat resembling the 

 sulphovinates, but still different from them. I find also that sulphuric acid 

 will condense and combine with olefiant gas, no carbon being separated, or 

 sulphurous or carbonic acid being formed ; and this absorption has in the course 

 of eighteen days amounted to 847 volumes of olefiant gas to one volume of 

 sulphuric acid. The acid produced combines with bases, &c., forming peculiar 

 salts, which I have not yet had time, but which it is my intention to examine, 

 as well as the products formed by the action of sulphuric acid on naphtha, 

 essential oils, &c., and even upon starch and lignine, in the production of 

 sugar, guin, &c., where no carbonization takes place, but where similar result* 

 seem to occur. 



