ELECTROLYTIC SYNTHESIS OF DIBASIC ACIDS. 379 



mixed in molecular proportion and heated on the water-bath with inverted condenser. 

 The methyl-potassium salt quickly separated. After cooling, it was collected on a filter 

 and washed with methyl alcohol. 



0-8005 gramme of the salt gave 0-4880 gramme of K 2 S0 4 . 



Calculated for KC 3 H 3 4 . Found. 



K 2751 27-38 



Here, too, we obtained no ethereal product on electrolysis, and analysis showed that 

 the gas given off at the anode was nearly pure carbonic acid. 



Oxalic acid, therefore, does not, in this respect, resemble the other saturated dibasic 

 acids, but behaves more like an oxy-acid. 



Behaviour of Camphoric Acid. — This acid has usually been regarded as a true dibasic 

 (dicarboxyl) acid. Quite lately, however, Friedel * has expressed the view that it con- 

 tains only one carboxyl group. We have found that the electrolysis of the ethyl-potas- 

 sium salt takes place in the same way as that of the corresponding salts of the saturated 

 dicarboxyl acids of the fatty series, large quantities of ethereal products being formed. 

 These are at present under examination. 



* Gomptes rendus 113, 825. 



