278 CONSIDERATION OF CARBON COMPOUNDS. 



to an acid mixture, (possibly containing chlorides) this should 

 be neutralized previous to the expelling of the vapors, as other- 

 wise the acid might decompose chlorides with liberation of 

 hydrochloric acid. 



In cases of poisoning, chloroform is generally to be sought 

 for in the lungs and blood, which are placed in a flask con- 

 nected with a tube of difficultly fusible glass. By heating the 

 flask the chloroform is expelled and decomposed in the heated 

 glass tube, as stated above. 



What has been said above regarding antidotes to chloral 

 holds good for chloroform also. 



lodoform, lodoformum, CHI 3 = 392.8 (Diiodomethyl iodide). 

 This compound is analogous in its constitution to chloroform. 

 It is made by heating together an aqueous solution of potassium 

 carbonate, iodine, and alcohol until the brown color of iodine 

 has disappeared ; on cooling, iodoform is deposited in j'ellow 

 scales, which are well washed with water and dried between 

 filtering paper. 



lodoform occurs in small, lemon-yellow, lustrous crystals, 

 having a peculiar, penetrating odor, and an unpleasant, sweetish 

 taste ; it is nearly insoluble in water and acids, soluble in alcohol , 

 ether, fatty, and essential oils. 



QUESTIONS. 



401. What is an aldehyde, and what are its relations to alcohols and 

 acids? 



402. State the composition of acetic aldehyde. 



403. Explain the action of chlorine upon alcohol. 



404. Give the composition and properties of chloral and chloral 

 hydrate. 



405. What decomposition takes place when alkalies act upon chloral ? 



406. Describe the process of preparing and purifying chloroform. 



407. What is the composition of chloroform and what are its prop- 

 erties ? 



408. How is chloroform tested for impurities ? 



409. By what test may chloroform be recognized? 



410. How is iodoform made, and what are its properties? 



