L Remsen on the Product of the c 



The analyses made agreed closely with each other and led 

 to the formula C,H30 3. 



'• The compound does not dissolve in water. Alcohol dis- 

 solves it readily, particularly with the aid of heat ; cold ether 

 dissolves it in every proportion. By heating with alkalies this 

 product is decomposed, alcohol is given off which can easily 

 be recognized by the odor; and a yellow solution is obtained, 

 similar to that which was obtained at first by treating with 

 water the mass which was produced by the action of potassium 

 upon the ether. This solution contains potassic succinate." 

 "The crystalline body fuses at 183° and sublimes completely 

 at 206°. With ammonia this product forms a bright yellow 

 body crystallizing in needles." 



Since the time of the publication of the investigation of v. 

 Fehling, this substance does not appear to have been reexam- 

 ined. Only Geuther* has indulged in some speculations in 

 regard to its structure, though his speculations are not based 

 upon new experiments. He proposed to double the formula of 

 V. Fehling making it C, 3 H, ^0^, and then suggested that the 

 compound was either disuccinic ether or diethyldisuccinic acid. 



In view of the peculiar method of its formation, it seemed 

 desirable to learn something more definite in regard to the 

 chemical conduct of the body, and accordingly I prepared a 

 considerable quantity of it and subjected it to examination. 

 The statements of v. Fehling in regard to its preparation were 

 found to be in the main correct. It is not a simple matter to 

 tell when the reaction between the metal and the ether is at an 

 end, as the mass becomes very thick, even while warm, and, 

 the metal becoming covered with a layer of the fully decom- 

 posed mass is kept from further action. It is very important 

 too, not to have an excess of the metal, for, as we shall see, 

 the new subtance forms with potassic hydroxide, a compound 

 which is easily soluble in water, and is also easily decomposed 

 by the hydroxide, if the temperature is raised. 1 found it suf- 

 ficient to recrystallize the product but once from alcohol, obtain- 

 ing it thus almost pure, either in the form of laminae with a 

 strong luster, or of needles of considerable length. The alco- 

 holic solution exhibits the property of fluorescence to a marked 

 degree, but I have noticed that this property grows less marked 

 the purer the compound becomes. The fusing point of the 

 compound is given at 133° by v. Fehling, whereas I found it to 

 be at 128°. 



* Zeitschrift fiir Chemie, 1866, t 



