1872.] On a new Method for producing Amides and Nitriles. 61 



Further, from a short notice published some years ago by Mr. Perkin*, 

 safranine appears to be a by-product in the preparation of mauveine. 



Relations such as suggested by the above formula must, however, be 

 received with great caution. The violet colouring-matter derived from 

 safranine by phenylation has not as yet been further characterized. 

 No great stress can be laid on the similar colour-reactions with acids 

 exhibited by both bases, since the methylated rosanihnes, on treatment 

 with acids, also become first blue and then green. Moreover it is doubtful 

 whether the base obtained by Mr. Perkin as a secondary product in the 

 manufacture of mauveine really is the same safranine which we have 

 investigated, inasmuch as some preliminary analyses have led him to a 

 very different composition, which appears to be expressed by the formula 



QAM, 



Finally, the composition of mauveine itself cannot be looked upon as 

 established above all question • at least Mr. Perkin f seems still to hesitate 

 between the formula 



C 26 H M N 4 , 



which appears to result from more recent experiments, and the formula 



C 27 H 21 N 4 , 



previously announced by him. 



The relations here pointed out are, however, well worthy of a thorough 

 experimental investigation. As we intend to continue this inquiry, an 

 opportunity may present itself for their further elucidation. 



IV. " New Method for producing Amides and Nitriles." By E. A. 

 Letts, Berlin University Laboratory. Communicated by 

 A. W. Hofmann, F.R.S. Received August 15, 1872. 



Some time since Professor HofmannJ showed that phenyl mustard- 

 oil, when acted on by acetic acid under pressure, is converted into 

 phenyl-diacetamide, carbonic anhydride and sulphuretted hydrogen being 

 separated. 



C 6 H 5 } N + 2 ^ H 3 °- 0H >=(C: t O), } N+C0 2+ H 2 S. 

 Bearing this reaction in mind, the question arose as to how the metallic 

 sulphocyanates would behave under similar circumstances ; at Professor 

 Hofm arm's suggestion I have submitted this question to an experimental 

 investigation. 



Action of Acetic Acid on Potassium Sidphocyanate. 

 Supposing the potassium salt of sulphocyanic acid to undergo a change 



* Perkin, Proc. R. Inst, of Great Britain, vol. v. p. 572. t Perkin, loc. cit. 



% Hofmann, Berichte d. Deutsch. Chem. Gesell. 1870. 



