SUNLIGHT UPON METHYL ALCOHOL. 73 
sunlight on November 2, 1911. On December 2, 1911, a positive 
test for hydrogen peroxide was obtained with Bach’s reagent, 
while another portion of the same water, which had been kept 
in the dark during the same period, gave no test. 
Experiment IIT—Ten cubic centimeters of conductivity water 
in a sealed tube, with air, were exposed to the sunlight for three 
days during the month of October, 1911, and then tested. The 
titanium and vanadium reagents were negative while Schon- 
bein’s reagent gave a faint test. Bach’s reagent was not used. 
Experiment IV.—During the month of December, 1911, four 
sealed tubes containing conductivity water and air were exposed 
to the sunlight for about one week. The only reagent which 
showed hydrogen peroxide in these tests was that of Bach. 
Samples of the same water which had been kept in the dark 
gave no test. 
The above described experiments represent the positive 
results obtained in about 50 different tests. With the titanium 
and vanadium reagents, I have never obtained a distinctly 
Fic. 1.—Tube used in experiment II. 
positive coloration, although once the titanium reagent gave a 
faint indication. Schédnbein’s reagent will occasionally give a 
positive test, while Bach’s reagent will give good results after 
skill is acquired in its manipulation. The best tests were 
obtained, as would naturally be expected, from water and oxygen, 
rather than water and atmospheric air. 
In view of the fact that we are here dealing with a slow 
reaction, that the equilibrium is at very low concentrations of 
hydrogen peroxide, and, also, that the hydrogen peroxide formed 
during the day may possibly partially disappear at night, I am 
inclined to believe that the sunlight will produce the reaction and 
form hydrogen peroxide. 
SUMMARY. 
J. P-quinone and methyl alcohol react in the sunlight producing 
* formaldehyde and quinol as the principal products. 
IJ. The reaction between methyl alcohol and oxygen, producing 
formaldehyde as the principal product, is catalyzed by sunlight. 
111016——2 
