Supplementary Chapter 329 



In none of the products obtained, however, could this alde- 

 hyde be detected. It might be urged that if formed it would 

 be at once oxidised by ozone to simpler derivatives. Alde- 

 hydes, however, are remarkably stable towards ozone, and van- 

 illin is at the present time largely manufactured by the oxidation 

 of /weugenol by ozone, according to the observation first made 

 by Otto (Ann. Chim. Phys. 1898 [vii.], 13, 77). It is true 

 that vanillin has been obtained from woods by various processes 

 of hydrolysis and oxidation (Singer, Monatsch., 1882, 3, 409 ; 

 Grafe, ibid.) 1904, 25, 1004; Czapek, Zeitsch. physiol. Chem., 

 1899, 27, 141)? but only in minute quantity (40 grms. from 50 

 kilos by Czapek and Grafe). The quantity, if any, produced 

 by ozone must be of a similar order, and this seems to preclude 

 the possibility of any considerable portion of thelignone complex 

 having the coniferyl alcohol basis. Klason further states that 

 the lignin (of coniferous woods) does not yield any acetic acid 

 on oxidation. There is no reason to suppose that the lignin 

 of pine-wood differs essentially from that of beech and jute, 

 yet with both of these a considerable production of acetic acid 

 can be observed as the result of an hour's exposure to dilute 

 ozone. This must surely proceed from the oxidation of the 

 reactive lignone groupings. 



Technical Progress. There is evident colossal develop- 

 ment of the nitro-cellulose industry to meet the requirements 

 of the belligerent Powers in the present war. 



It appears that cotton has maintained its position as the 

 main form of cellulose in this industry, but it is established 

 that the Central Powers have employed a purified form of wood 

 cellulose on a large scale ; and it is also to be noted that there 

 has been considerable employment of the special waste cottons 

 of short length separated from the seed after ginning off the 

 textile fibre. 



Another special development is the manufacture of cellules 



