492 Configuration of Trivalent Nitrogen Compounds. 



It was found, however, that the value of [M] D was about — 120°, 

 which was very close to that observed for brucine sulphanilate 



{C^H^NaO, . S . 2H 2 . MP. 261°— 263° 0.} - 124° 130°. 



The salt was extremely sparingly soluble in all the solvents 

 available, but it was found that if the salt were dehydrated at 

 100° C. it was then more soluble in chloroform and fused at 

 about 90° C. Determinations of the rotatory power of the various 

 fractions after dehydration were made in chloroform solution. The 

 value of [a] D in 2 per cent, solution was found to be about 12 , 7°, and 

 the value was not appreciably altered by recrystallisation. It was 

 found impossible to isolate the acid or its salts quite free from 

 brucine, so that the feeble rotatory power observed is to be referred 

 to traces of brucine. 



It may therefore be concluded on the basis of the large mass 

 of evidence now available, that the trivalent nitrogen is not 

 capable of giving rise to optical activity, and has a plane con- 

 figuration when attached to three monovalent groups. 



