1864.] 



Mr. Perkin on Mauve or Aniline-Purple, 



171 



from completing these investigations ; but, although unacquainted with its 

 correct formula, its chemical characters have necessarily been well known 

 to me for a considerable time. When first introduced, commercial mauve 

 appeared as an almost perfectly amorphous body ; but now, owing to the 

 great improvements which have been made in its purification, it is sent into 

 the market perfectly pure and crystallized. 



On adding a solution of hydrate of potassium to a boiling solution of 

 commercial crystallized mauve, it immediately changes in colour from 

 purple to a blue violet, and after a few moments begins to deposit a 

 crystalline body. After standing a few hours, this crystalline product is 

 collected on a filter, washed with alcohol once or twice, and then thoroughly 

 with water. When dry, it appears as a nearly black glistening substance, 

 not unlike pulverized specular iron ore. 



This substance, for which 1 propose the name Mauveine, is a powerful 

 base. It dissolves in alcohol, forming a blue violet solution, which imme- 

 diately assumes a purple colour on the addition of acids. It is insoluble, or 

 nearly so, in ether and benzole. It is a very stable body, and decomposes 

 ammoniacal compounds readily. When heated strongly it decomposes, 

 yielding a basic oil, which does not appear to be aniline. 



The following analyses were made of specimens dried at 150° C. : — 



I. '301 grm. of substance gave '8818 of carbonic acid and '162 of water. 



II. '2815 grm. of substance gave '8260 of carbonic acid and '145 of water. 



Direct Nitrogen determination. 



III. -3435 grm. of substance gave41'0 c.c. N at23°C. and 766 mms. Bar. 



41-0 cub. centims. (766-0 millims. — 20*9) „^ » , 



V'= 824-1 millims. =^^'7 ^'^^^ 



37-7 X -0012562 grm. = -04735 grm. of N. 

 These numbers correspond to the following percentages : — ' 



I. II. III. 



Carbon 79*9 80-0 



Hydrogen 5*98 5*72 



Nitrogen , 13*75 



The formula, Cj^* N^, requires the following values : — 



Theory. Mean of experiment. 



324 80-19 79*95 



H,, 24 5-94 5-85 



N, _56 13-87 13-75 



404 100- 



Hydrochlorate of Mauveine. — This salt is prepared by the direct combi- 

 nation of mauveine and hydrochloric acid. From its boiling alcoholic solu- 

 tion it is deposited in small prisms, sometimes arranged in tufts, possessing 



