402 E. GRIFFITHS. 



by filtration. The clear filtrate was then distilled under 

 reduced pressure. The greater portion of the acid came 

 over at 273° -276° 0. (uncorrected) and 65-70 mm. of 

 mercury as an almost colourless liquid. On examination 

 it gave the following results : — 



(a) Iodine value (Hiibl.) 89*14 



(b) Refractive index at 19*5° O. ... 1*4622 



(c) Combustion 76*3, H 11*87, O ll*73°/« 

 Theory demands for oleic acid 



76*5, H 12*05, O 11*45°/° 



These data point to oleic acid as the main constituent of 

 the free fatty acids. 



Examination of the fatty acids whose lead salts were 

 insoluble in ether.— The lead salts were decomposed by 

 warm dilute hydrochloric acid and the free fatty acids well 

 washed to separate any soluble lead compounds. The 

 liberated acids weighed about 4 grams and appeared to 

 still contain a large amount of liquid acid. These acids 

 were therefore again converted into lead salts and treated 

 with ether. The acids obtained by this second separation 

 weighed 2*5 grams and melted at 40° O. The mass was 

 dissolved in a small quantity of alcohol and set aside to 

 crystallise. On standing overnight a small quantity (about 

 0*16 gram) separated in the form of roundish tufts. It 

 melted at 68 - 69° O. It was redissolved in petroleum ether 

 and the solution cooled. The acid separated again in 

 feathery crystals. This acid (about 0*1 gram) was freed 

 from solvent and dried. A melting point determination 

 gave 68° O. the melting point of stearic acid. This acid is 

 most probably stearic acid, but lack of material prevented 

 its examination being carried any further. 



Isolation of glycerol.— The aqueous acid solution obtained 

 after the liberation of the fatty acids was examined for 

 glycerol. The free sulphuric acid was neutralised with 



