Action of Chloride of Lime on Alcohol. 135 



To be certain of this, I mixed a solution of chloride of lime, very 

 concentrated, with alcohol ; the mixture grew warm and an odor of 

 chlorine was manifest ; in raising it to ebullition, an abundant white 

 precipitate was formed, and a liquid passed over, of a very sweet 

 odor and a sugary taste. 



The matter remaining in the retort was alkaline, and the precipi- 

 tate effervesced with acids. It was carbonate of lime, mixed whh a 

 little caustic lime. Not the least portion of carbonic acid was dis- 

 engaged during the action. 



The distilled product being redistilled or rectified, a weak alcohol 

 remained in the retort, and the distilled fluid had a more penetrating 

 ethereal odor. The following process will ensure a notable quantity 

 in a state of purity. 



Into a retort of the capacity of about a gallon, introduce a mixture 

 of 1 part alcohol at 33°, and from 30 to 32 parts of very concen- 

 trated liquid chloride of lime, (1 part, by weight, of chloride and 5 

 of water ;) attach a receiver, which must be kept cool, apply heat 

 to the retort and as soon as ebullition commences, withdraw the fire, 

 as the distillation will then proceed without it. The process must 

 be stopped when no more ethereal fluid passes over. 



In the receiver are two distinct strata ; the heavier is the new 

 ether, — the lighter is a solution of that substance in weak alcohol. 

 The whole is to be shaken with a little mercury, to absorb a small 

 quantity of free chlorine ; it is then placed in a retort, to which are 

 added the rinsings of the receiver, with a litde water, and distilled 

 afresh from the heat of a water bath. The ether is thus obtained, 

 with a supernatant fluid of weak etherized alcohol, which may be re- 

 served for a new rectification. 



The new ether is not pure. The alcohol which it contains may 

 be removed, by agitating it several times with water, and finally al- 

 lowing the water to remain in contact, several hours, with plenty of 

 dry muriate of lime, and then distilling at a temperature not exceed- 

 ing 160° F. 



It is proper to observe, that the chloride of lime which is used in 

 the making of this ether, must be limpid, or at least must contain 

 but very litde lime in suspension, otherwise the mass will swell very 

 much. I have endeavored to avoid such a mass of fluid, by using 

 a cream of the chloride of lime, but it was almost impossible to 

 conduct the distillation. 



