400 



MR C. G. WILLIAMS' RESEARCHES ON 



On Cryptidine, a new Volatile Alkaloid homologous with Chinoline. 



In examining the highest fractions of the bases from coal-tar, I have ascer- 

 tained the presence of a new volatile base, to which I have given the above 

 name.* The quantity at my disposal was so exceedingly small, that the plati- 

 num salt is the only compound I have been able to obtain in a state of tolerable 

 purity ; but the analyses of this substance leave no doubt whatever of the con- 

 stitution of this the third homologue of the chinoline series. 



If a solution of bichloride of platinum be added to a solution in hydrochloric 

 acid of the fraction boiling about 525°, a pasty yellow mass precipitates, and, 

 on stirring, adheres to the rod. In a few seconds the precipitate becomes crys- 

 talline, and is no longer adhesive, and, if it is now dissolved in boiling water, 

 it separates on cooling in groups of yellow needles, sparingly soluble in cold 

 water. Two specimens of salt prepared in this manner, and well washed, first 

 with water, and after with a mixture of alcohol and ether, yielded on combus- 

 tion the numbers following : — 



8-018 grains platinochloride cryptidine, dried at 212°, gave 



I. {10-535 ... 

 { 2-493 ... 



TT f 6066 ... 

 ll '\ 1-645 ... 



f 8-958 ... 



III J 11-807 ... 



{ 2-647 ... 



IV / 5 ' 990 - 



V, \ 1-631 ... 



carbonic acid, and 

 water. 



platinochloride of cryptidine, 

 platinum. 



platinochloride of cryptidine 

 carbonic acid, and 

 water. 



platinochloride of cryptidine 

 platinum. 



Experiment. 



gave 

 (another pi 



gave 

 Mean. 



35-89 

 3-37 



27-18 



•eparation), gave 



Calculation. 



I. 



Carbon, . . . 35-83 

 Hydrogen, . . 3-45 



Nitrogen, 



Chlorine, 



Platinum 



II. III. IV. 

 35-95 

 3-28 



27-12 ... 27-23 



36-31 C 22 132 



3-30 H 12 12 



3-85 N 14 



29-30 Cl 3 106-5 



27-24 Pt 99-0 



100-00 363-5 



If the fraction boiling at 515°-25° is treated with ordinary nitric acid, it dis- 

 solves with a purple coloration, and, if the solution is evaporated to dryness, 

 and redissolved in water, an insoluble yellow powder becomes apparent. To the 

 filtered solution bichloride of platinum being added, an adhesive precipitate 

 is formed, having the properties previously assigned to the platinochloride of 

 cryptidine, as obtained from coal-tar. On solution in boiling water and subsequent 

 cooling, a fine crop of orange-yellow needles was obtained, which, on combustion 

 with chromate of lead and copper turnings, gave the result annexed. 



* From xguvrog. 



