SYNTHETICAL EESEAECHES OX ETHERS. 



61 



The exchange of sodium for methyl then converts ethylic sodacetone carbonate into 

 ethylic methacetone carbonate. 



fH, 



H, 



+NaI 



C! 



The constitution of the carboketonic ethers here developed indicates the existence of 

 a compound in which the value of n in the above general formula=0. Such an ether 

 would be produced by acting with hydrochloric acid upon either ethylic sodacetone 

 carbonate or ethylic disodacetone carbonate. 



The carboketonic ether thus indicated has actually been obtained by Gkuther 

 according to the first of the above equations, and is described by him, in the paper 

 above alluded to, under the name IH-methylene-carhonic-acid-ethylene ether. In fact 

 he appears to have also obtained, in a free state, the acid of the above ether which is 

 formed when the latter is placed in contact with water, although he has not yet sub- 

 mitted it to investigation. 



fH3 



o 



OC2H5 



+H20=q 



V 



Ethylic acetone 

 carbonate. 



Acetone car- 

 bonic acid. 



MDCCCLXVI. 



E 



