626 PROFESSOR FREDERICK GUTHRIE 
essential to the recomposition pointed out above; where, besides the two equiva- 
lents of water of the hydrate of potash, four others are necessary. 
The penthydrated bicyanide of amylen is soluble to a considerable extent in 
water; it mixes with alcohol and ether. Under certain conditions, it enjoys basic 
properties. 
As before indicated, one would expect that, on boiling with an aqueous solu- 
tion of caustic potash, ammonia would be formed, and pinelate of potash 
generated,— 
C,, H,, Cy, +2K0, 6HO=2KO C,, H,, 0,+2NH, 
The discussion of the actual recomposition which takes place must be reserved 
for a subsequent communication. 
The Bichloride of Amylen. 
The relation between amylen, amyl, and hydride of amyl, and nitroxide of 
amyl, 
COREE PIP gene Mies ORES IRR TEC 
10 10 
H 
10 
Ho, Cj aoe Oa 
10 
induced me to try the action of nitroxine upon the second and fourth, in the 
expectation of some such body as the binitroxide of amylen resulting. In both 
cases the result was negative. 
Connected with the binitroxide of amylen, are the bodies produced by the 
action of nitric acid on the bisulphochloride of amylen. Such action is twofold. 
The first stage seems to be a nitroxine replacement; the second, a more precise 
oxidizing action. The result of the first is the formation of a neutral insoluble 
body containing NO,; that of the second, the production of a peculiar acid, con- 
taining sulphur, carbon, and hydrogen, but neither chlorine nor nitrogen. This 
has not been further examined. The latter of these two stages is naturally accom- 
panied by the separation of hydrochloric acid; sulphuric acid is also formed, 
together with the ultimate product of the oxidation of the carbon, namely, oxalic 
acid. In tracing so complicated a reaction, it was necessary to employ a some- 
what large quantity. 
Nitrosulphide of Nitroxamylen, C,, be SNO, 
4 
Twenty grammes of the bisulphochloride were treated, in a retort having a 
well-cooled condenser, with a large excess of nitric acid. On applying a gentle 
heat, copious fumes were evolved of nitric oxide, and these collected in the con- 
denser, along with an acid distillate, a large quantity of a heavy liquid unmixable 
with it. This, after washing and drying, showed the following composition :— 
