168 R. T. BAKER AND H. G. SMITH. 



but it can only be present in minute quantity as will be seen from 

 the result of the analysis of the silver salt obtained from the mixed 

 volatile acids. 



A larger quantity of oil was then taken for saponification by 

 semi-normal alcoholic potash at ordinary temperature and allowed 

 to stand four hours; it was found at the end of that time that 

 saponification was practically complete. The regenerated oil is 

 yellowish in tint, specific gravity '898 at 20°, rotation 100 mm. 

 tube + - 75. It has a pleasant rose odour when diffused, and its 

 freshness and fragrance are excellent. The objectionable odour 

 detected when the ester is saponified by heat is missing, and it is 

 thus seen to be unnecessary to apply heat to obtain separation of 

 the alcohol. 



When this regenerated oil from the cold saponification was 

 distilled under ordinary pressure (760 mm.) less than three per 

 cent, distilled below 225°, between 225° and 235° 43 per cent, 

 was obtained, and between 235° and 240° 26 per cent, distilled. 

 The fraction (225 — 235°) had no rotation, its specific gravity was 

 •890 at 15° C, and it was principally geraniol. The fraction 235 

 - 240° had a specific gravity -892 at 21° 0. Some decomposition 

 had taken place under atmospheric pressure, but when distilled 

 under reduced pressure about 60 per cent, of a fraction could be 

 obtained, largely geraniol, as there are no terpenes or low boiling 

 constituents to interfere. It is thus apparent that when the ester 

 is decomposed in the cold but little alteration, if any, of the 

 alcohol takes place, but it cannot be boiled with alcoholic potash 

 without undergoing alteration. It is also apparent that the 

 alteration is in the direction of the formation of lower boiling 

 constituents. 



"We have obtained in four different directions during this 

 research, a product boiling at 183 — 185° (uncor.) and having a 

 very low specific gravity -836 at 15°. It has no rotation when 

 obtained under the most favourable conditions. It is worthy of 

 remark that this product obtained by four different routes has 



