PROFESSOR LETTS ON PHOSPHORUS-BETAINES. 305 
Chlorine.—V olumetrically, by VoLHARDT’S method. 
(1) 0°5905 required 27-9 cc. decinormal AgNO, = 16-7 per cent. Cl 
(2) 0:1930 5 9-7 ” ” ” == 16:8 » ” 
(3) 0°4302 ” 20°2 ” ” ” = 166 ” » 
Carbon and Hydrogen. | 
0:1497 gave 01193 H,O = 0:013255 H = 8°5 per cent. H 
01497), O2485CO7 006777) Cr] 453, C 
The composition of the body was further verified by that of its chloro- 
platinate, which will be described presently, Its reactions indicated that it 
was the hydrochlorate of triethyl-phosphorus-betaine, 
Cl 
(CoH) y= PC . 
CH,—COOH: 
The experiment of preparing the hydrochlorate was repeated again and 
again, the same phenomena being observed in each case. 
If large quantities are to be operated with (22 grms. of the phosphine and the 
equivalent quantity of chloracetic acid were the largest the author ever em- 
ployed), care must be taken to reduce the acid to a fine powder, otherwise 
it will not dissolve in the phosphine. In any case vigorous shaking of the 
mixture must be resorted to, to accomplish the solution of the acid, and also 
to bring the phosphine thoroughly into contact with it. This is very difficult 
when once the oily layer has begun to form, and only very violent shaking will 
insure the whole of the acid being acted on. Jn a well-conducted experiment 
scarcely a trace of phosphine remains in excess, but if the shaking has not 
been thorough much remains. Care must also be taken to cool the distilling 
flask ; but, on the other hand, if the temperature is kept too low, the reaction 
is not complete. Some hours were always allowed to elapse before the 
product was recrystallised. The recrystallisation is easily effected by dis- 
solving the product in a considerable quantity of hot alcohol, and then adding 
ether cautiously with constant stirring. The addition of ether is stopped as 
soon as the mixture becomes permanently turbid ; on setting it aside for some 
time almost the whole of the hydrochlorate separates in beautiful colourless 
needles.. The hydrochlorate thus purified is not perceptibly deliquescent, some 
of the crystals remaining for twenty-four hours exposed to the air without 
liquefying. This is surprising, as Meyer (/oc. cit.) found the corresponding 
compound of trimethyl-phosphorus-betaine to be highly deliquescent. 
It has a sour taste, and an acid reaction. Its other properties will be 
considered later. 
Chloroplatinate of Triethyl-Phosphorus-Betaine-—On mixing dilute aqueous 
solutions of chloride of platinum and of the hydrochlorate, no precipitate is 
