270 Researches respecting the radical of Benzoic Acid. 
the decomposition of water. In the former case it would be com- 
posed according to the formula C'* H'? O, in the latter the formula 
C'4H!: O02, 
After the determining of this point, and a reviewing of the com- 
bining relations of bitter almond oil yet to be considered, we believe 
it naturally follows that this oil is in its pure state a hydrogen com- 
pound, wherein the radical of benzoic acid is combined with 2 atoms 
of hydrogen, instead of with oxygen as in the acid. ‘This radical as 
yet unobtained insulated, is composed of C'* H!* O?. We call it 
benzoyl, (the ending from tA» material, matter.) The. consequent 
name for the pure oil of bitter almonds is hydrobenzoyl (hydroguret 
of benzéy],) and for the benzoic acid, benzéylic acid, (benzoyl acid.) 
We will however use the common names benzoic acid and bitter al- 
mond oil, except in theoretical demonstrations. We will see how 
easily the remaining relations, to which we now come, will be per- 
ceived and comprehended. 
Chlorobenzoyl.—If through the bitter almond oil we conduct dry 
chlorine gas, the latter is absorbed with considerable heat, and hydro- 
chloric acid is evolved ; but besides this, no other product which war- 
rants the conclusion of a farther decomposition. As soon as the for- 
mation of hydrochloric acid begins to cease, the liquid becomes yel- 
low from the solution of chlorine, but the overcharge of this gas. is 
again expelled by boiling. Finally, if the liquid, be heated to boil- 
ing, in contact with chlorine, and the formation of hydrochloric acid 
is no longer perceived, we obtain a new compound, perfectly pure. 
This is the chlorobenzéyl, (chloride of benzoyl.) 
The chlorobenzéyl, is a transparent fluid of the sp. gr. 1.196. It 
possesses a peculiar odor in the highest degree penetrating 5 in par- 
ticular, strongly affecting the eyes, and reminding us of the pungent 
odor of horse-radish. Its boiling point is very high : it is inflammable, 
burning with a bright, green-edged, sooty flame. 
It sinks in water as anoil, without solution. After a considerable 
time, or sooner by boiling, it separates entirely into crystallized ben- 
zoic acid and hydro-chloric acid. It suffers the same change if kept 
in moist air for a length of time. If chlorine be conducted through 
a mixture of hydrobenzéyl and water, the oil disappears, and the 
water congeals into a crystalline mass of benzoic acid. 
The chloride of benzéyl may be distilled unchanged over anhy- 
drated baryta and lime. 
