136 Action of Chloride of Lime on Alcohol. 



This new etherized liquor is a compound different from all those 

 Iiitherto observed by chemists. lis elements are chlorine, hydrogen 

 and carbon. Various experiments which have been made upon it, 

 prove that it contains no oxygen. 



The decomposition of it, by means of oxide of copper, has proved 

 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 ether is 

 composed of 



1 atom of carbon, _ - _ _ 14.39 

 ■2 " hydrogen, - - - - 2.35 



2 " chlorine, - - - - 83.26 



100.00 



It may be 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 be 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 and 

 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 of 

 silver. Paper of tournesol, moistened with this etherized alcohol, is 

 reddened on the spots which have been burned. 



Water dissolves very little of it, and acquires a saccharine 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 aromatic 

 flavor. 



Iodine dissolves in the new ether, and does not appear to alter it. 



Potassium decomposes it at common temperatures ; the action is 

 very slow j and hydrogen, containing some carbon, is disengaged. 



