320 MESSES. E. PEAJ^KLAND AND B, F. DUPPA'S 



ethylic diethoxalate prepared by means of zincethyl. In the operation above mentioned 

 with 600 grammes of the mixed ethylic iodide and oxalate, 86 grammes of pure ethylic 

 diethoxalate were obtained, the theoretical amount being 105 grammes. 



II. Action of Zinc upon a Mixture of Methylic Iodide and Methylic Oxalate. 



Two atoms of methylic iodide were mixed with one of methylic oxalate, and placed in 

 contact with an excess of granulated zinc at 30° C in a flask as above described. At 

 the conclusion of the reaction the liquid solidified to a crystalline mass, which, on distil- 

 lation with water, yielded methylic alcohol possessing an ethereal odour, but from which 

 no ether could be extracted. The residual magma in the flask, consisting of zincic 

 iodide, zincic oxalate, and the zinc salt of a new acid, was separated from the metallic 

 zinc by washing with water. It was then treated with an excess of baric hydrate, and 

 boiled for a considerable time ; carbonic anhydride was afterwards passed through the 

 liquid until, on again boiling, the excess of baryta was completely removed. To the 

 filtered solution recently precipitated argentic oxide was added until all iodine was 

 removed. The solution separated from the argentic iodide was again submitted to a 

 current of carbonic anhydride, boiled, and filtered. The resulting liquid, on being 

 evaporated on the water-bath, yielded a salt crystallizing in brilliant needles, possessing 

 the peculiar odour of fresh butter. This salt is very soluble in water and in alcohol, 

 but nearly insoluble in ether, and perfectly neutral to test-papers. On being submitted 

 to analysis, it gave numbers closely corresponding with the formula 



/CMe^Ho 



(C Me2 Ho 

 I. -4318 grm. baric dimethoxalate, heated in a porcelain boat with potassic dichro- 

 mate in a stream of air and oxygen, the products being afterwards passed over ignited 

 cupric oxide, gave -4268 grm. carbonic anhydride and -1624 grm. water. 

 II. -3856 grm. gave -3796 grm. carbonic anhydride and -1448 grm. water. 



III. -3795 grm. gave -2574 grm. baric sulphate. 



IV. -4072 grm. gave -2767 grm. baric sulphate. 



* In analyzing barium-salts by this method of combustion, we have almost invariably found a deficiency of 

 about 1 per cent, of carbon, due in aU probability to the small quantity of potassic dichromate which can be 

 mixed with the salt in a porcelain boat. 



