200 PROFESSOR LETTS AND N. COLLIE ON THE 
The hydrate is readily soluble in alcohol ; and the crystals obtained from the 
solution contain alcohol. 
0°8746 heated to 110° lost 0°1076 grm. alcohol=12°3 per cent. 
Calculated for 
Obtained, (C,H,),P(OH),C,H,OH . 
Meoghol, 2.423... Sees 
Solutions of the base have an alkaline reaction, and they neutralise acids— 
salts of the phosphonium resulting. 
When the anhydrous base is heated, it begins to fuse at 190°, but a portion 
remains unfused to 211°. It is probable, therefore, that the base cannot be 
melted without decomposition. Heated to higher temperatures it decomposes, 
and gives solid and liquid products, the nature of which we shall discuss later. 
Bromide of Tetrabenzyl-Phosphonium.—This compound was obtained by 
mixing aqueous solutions of bromide of barium and the acid sulphate. The 
precipitated sulphate of barium contains the greater quantity of the bromide, 
which is sparingly soluble. It was extracted with alcohol, and the filtered 
solution mixed with water. On cooling, long silky needles were deposited. 
Their composition was verified by a bromine determination. 
‘303 grm. required 6°3 cc. decinormal AgNO, soln. = 0:0504 Br=16°6 per cent. 
Obtained. Calculated for (C,H,),PBr . 
Bromine, . 166 ws 16°8 
The bromide is less soluble in water than the chloride. It melts at 216° to 
917 ©. 
Iodide of Tetrabenzyl-Phosphonium was prepared by a similar process. It 
is almost insoluble in water, but is soluble in a mixture of water and alcohol, 
and crystallises from the solution in needles resembling the chloride. 
For its analysis, a quantity was fused, weighed, dissolved, and titrated 
with decinormal silver solution. 
‘2103 grm. required 4 cc. AgNO, soln. =0-0508 I= 24:2 per cent. 
Obtained. Theory for (C,H,),PI. 
Iodine, . 24:2 - « 243 
Nitrate of Tetrabenzyl-Phosphonium.—A solution of the base was saturated 
with a dilute solution of nitric acid; long silky needles separated. They were 
not analysed. 
Chromate of Tetrabenzyl-Phosphonium.—This salt was obtained by acting on 
a solution of the chloride with chromate of silver. On extracting the precipitate 
