ON SOME DERIVATIVES FROM THE OLEFINES. 625 
One of the most noteworthy transformations which this remarkable body 
undergoes, is its conversion into 
The Bicyanide of Amylen, C,, H,) Cy,, 5HO. 
The bicyanide of an olefine is a compound which almost every chemist has 
sought to obtain, on account of the probability of such a body giving rise to an 
acid derivative, analogous to oxalic acid, on treatment with a hydrated alkali, in 
the same manner as cyanide of ethyl, under these circumstances, gives rise to 
propionic acid,* 
C, Hyy1C, N+KO, 83HO=NH, +KO Onyo Hays 0, 
C, H, C, N,+2K0, 6HO=2NH, +2KO 0,4, H,,0 
iG 
The bicyanide of amylen is formed in the following manner :—Binitroxide of 
amylen in alcoholic solution is treated with an excess of alcoholic solution of 
cyanide of potassium ; an abundant precipitate is formed, which, after washing and 
drying, is found to be pure nitrate of potash KNO,, or nitroxide of potassium. 
The filtrate from this salt is then evaporated on a water bath, until it becomes 
syrupy. It is then washed repeatedly with small quantities of water, and dried 
in vacuo over sulphuric acid. 
So prepared, the bicyanide of amylen appears as a syrupy liquid, of pleasant — 
smell and bitter taste. 
Submitted to analysis, 
I, 0:2760 grms. gave 9 16 per cent. hydrogen. 
II. 0:3500 grms. gave 9:16 per cent. hydrogen, and 51:26 per cent. carbon. 
III. 0:3079 grms. gave 16-00 per cent. of nitrogen. 
C,, H,, Cy,+5HO Found— 
requires, (i, (2.) (3.) 
C=50'30 nee 51:26 bbe 
H= 8:98 9:16 9-16 she 
N= 16°77 Ae Se 16:00 
The presence of five equivalents of water with the bicyanide of amylen, indi- 
cated by the above analysis, might appear an accident. Analyses (1.) and (2.) 
were of the same preparation, but exposed im vacuo for different lengths of time. 
Analysis (3.) was of a fresh preparation. 
The five equivalents of water may be fairly compared to water of crystalliza- 
tion of solid salts—(1.) Because, as will be afterwards shown, an anhydrous 
bicyanide of amylen exists; (2.) because the penthydrate of the cyanide is decom- 
posed on heating, giving off water; (3.) because four equivalents of water are 
* Dr M. Simpson has already announced the formation of bicyanide of ethylen, and the deriva- 
tion therefrom of succinic acid. 
