96 Mr Fenton, Experiments illustrating neiv reactions, etc. 



Experiments illustrating new reactions for the identification of 

 Urea and of Primary Amines. By H. J. H. Fenton, M.A., F.R.S. 



[Read 2 March 1903.] 



These experiments illustrated the application of a certain new 

 derivative of methyl-furfural as a reagent for the identification of 

 certain organic nitrogen compounds. Urea and mon-alkyl substi- 

 tuted ureas give a beautiful blue colour with the reagent ; this 

 colour is so intense that it is possible to detect less than jfa milli- 

 gram of urea by the method. The individual substances are 

 further distinguished by the absorption spectra. 



The reagent may also be employed as a distinguishing test for 

 primary amines with which it produces an intense green colour. 



