M. C. Lea on the Production of the Methyl Bases, 227 
Art. XXIII—On the Production of the Methyl Bases, and on the 
aga of Nitrate of Methyl; by M. Canny Lea, Phila- 
elphia. 
(1.) On the Production of the Methyl Bases. 
Havine found in the nitrate of ethyl so convenient a source 
for the production of the ethyl bases, I was naturally led to en- 
deavor to employ it for the preparation of the corresponding 
Substances in the methyl series, and the result proved eminently 
Satisfactory, 
When nitrate of methyl was placed in a sealed tube and im- 
mersed in water at 120° F. for an hour or two, a crystallization 
already took place. In a subsequent experiment it was found 
that complete decomposition was effected in about three hours 
ata temperature of 180° to 190° F. But with methylic nitrate 
We may dispense with sealed tubes altogether, in which respect 
the methylic bases are more easily obtained than the ethylic. 
Bottles provided with well ground stoppers are filled one- 
third full with a mixture of nitrate of methyl and of the strong- 
est liquid ammonia, in the proportion of 14 parts by volume of 
nitrate of methyl to 15 of liquid ammonia. The liquid ammo- 
nla which I used was a thoroughly saturated solution of the gas. 
2 trom five to seven days decomposition is complete and the 
Mitrate of meth yl has disappeared. ‘This time may be somewhat 
Teduced by frequent agitation, and by placing the bottles on the 
Second day at a temperature of 90° F’., and on the third at 100°. 
In this way three days complete the process. It is not even 
eu to secure the stoppers, if the operation is performed 
ordinary temperatures. ; 
the ielkdon shen contains ammonia, methylamine, and at 
least one more substituted ammonia. The separation of the 
methyl bases is a matter of extraordinary difficulty. ste now 
ieee in studying it and hope to publish my results at a future 
e, 
(2.) On the Production of Nitrate of Methyl. 
yl but one process ap- 
nd that is to be found in all our 
Owev ith the following results. as 
The thence sees placed in a flask capable of rat et 
‘Wenty times their united volume, which was co wi 
