136 Action of Chloride of Lime on Alcohol. 
This new etherized liquor is a compound different from all those 
hitherto observed by chemists. Its elements are chlorine, hydrogen 
and carbon. Various experiments which have been made upon * 
prove that it contains no oxygen. 
The decomposition of it, by means of oxide of copper, has rested 
to me the relation of its component parts. It is extremely difficult 
to effect the combustion of its hydrogen and carbon, doubtless on 
account of the great quantity of chlorine that it contains. 
After a careful analysis, the author determines that this ohh’ is 
composed of 
1 atom of carbon, = - - 14.39 
2 “ ~ hydrogen, - - - = 2.35 
2 * fo = - - - 83.26 
100,00 
< may rte considered as a compound of chlorine and per-carburetted 
- hydrogen, and may be provisionally called bi-chloric ether. 
The bi-chloric ether is an ethereal liquid, very limpid, and colorless, 
with a penetrating and very sweet odor. When breathed, the va- 
pors which penetrate to the palate develope a taste decidedly sac- 
charine. It may almost bé~said to have a saccharine odor. Its 
density is greater than water, and its boiling point is 158° F. _ 
It cannot be burned alone in contact with air. If used in a lamp, 
the cotton wick does not kindle until all the ether is evaporated. In 
directing a jet of its vapor on the flame of a spirit lamp, it burns 
diffuses much smoke. It may easily be kindled when mixed with 
an equal volume of alcohol. It then gives out a black and thick 
smoke, of a penetrating odor, and the soot which it deposits, washed 
with water, is acid, and forms an abundant precipitate with nitrate ¢ 
silver. Paper of tournesol, moistened with this etherized alcohol, i 
reddened on the spots which have been burned, 
Water dissolves very little of it, and acquires a BoB one taste. 
Alcohol mixes with it in every proportion ; and if the alcohol is not 
very concentrated, and the ether be mixed with it in suitable propor 
tions, a saccharine liquor is obtained of a very agreeable aromati¢ 
flavor. 
Todine dissolves in the new ether, and does not appear to alter ite 
Potassium decomposes it at common temperatures ; the action 
very slow ; and hydrogen, containing some carbon, is disengaged. 
