Researches respecting the radical af Benzove Acid. Qa 
Abstract from this 2 atoms muriate of ammonia, 
14C-+22H+2042CI-+4N 
8H +2C/+2N, we then obtain 
14C+14H+20+ 2N, which is the true com- 
position of benzamide and by adding to this Jast 1 atom of water, the 
formula becomes, 14C-++16H+30+2N which expresses the true 
composition of neutral dry benzoate of ammonia. ‘This salt consists 
of 1 atom benzoic acid, =14C+10H+30 
1 * ammonia = 6H ION 
14C-+16H+30+42N. 
Benzamide exhibits some phenomena in its decomposition which 
deserve an ampler consideration than we have bestowed upon them. 
Heated with a larger quantity of dry caustic baryta, it partially fuses, 
appears to become a hydrate, evolves ammonia, and then distills over a 
colorless, oily body, deserving notice. It is lighter than water, in 
which it isinsoluble. It possesses an aromatic, sweetish taste not un- 
like that of fluid chloride of carbon (C2Cl*) and discovers itself par- 
ticularly by its almost sugar-sweet taste. This oil burns with a clear 
flame, and is changed neither by caustic alkali nor by acids; even 
potassium may be melted in it by gentle warmth without change. 
The same substance is evolved in considerable quantity and unac- 
companied by ammonia, when benzamide and potassium are melted 
together, in which case the latter without much violence appears to 
be almost wholly converted into cyanuret of potassium. 
If the vapor of benzamide be conducted through an ignited narrow 
glass tube, only a small portion is decomposed and that without de- 
positing a trace of carbon. The greatest part passes over unchan- 
ged, mingled with a small quantity of the sweet tasting oil before 
mentioned. ‘This is evidently a peculiar substance, which by its be- 
havior intimates an altogether simple composition and certainly de- 
serves much attention. | 
Clorobenzéyl and alcohol.—The chlorobenzéyl may be mingled 
with alcohol in every proportion. By observing the mixture, it will 
be remarked that it begins to grow warm in the course of a few min- 
utes and this warmth increases to such a degree, that the fluid enters 
into self-ebullition, throwing off at the same time thick vapors of hy- 
drochloric acid. If water be poured over it when the action is ended, 
then separates an oily body, colorless, sinking in water and possess- 
ing an aromatic, fruit-like odor. Washed with water and heated with 
