1871.] Bromine-substitution Compounds of the Orchis. 



77 



found to be identical with the tribromorcin described by Stenhouse *, and 

 subsequently examined by Laurent and Gerhardtf, and by Lamparter J. 



Analysis of Pentabromorcin. 



I. '578 substance gave T046 argentic bromide, which is equivalent to 

 77'00 per cent, bromine, the formula C- H 3 Br. 2 requiring 77'07 per 

 cent. 



Pentachlororcin hypochlorite, C. H 4 CL O, = C T H 3 Cl 5 2 , H CI 0.— A 

 white crystalline substance was obtained in endeavouring to prepare penta- 

 chlororcin by the action of calcium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid on 

 orcin ; but as it appeared to differ somewhat from that compound it was 

 carefully examined. After some trials the following was found to be the 

 best method of preparation : — Five parts of orcin were dissolved in a mix- 

 ture of four measures of hydrochloric acid, sp. gr. T17, with four measures 

 of water ; and this solution was then gradually added to a moderately strong 

 clear solution of calcium hypochlorite, taking care to leave the latter in 

 excess. The liquid, which has a milky appearance, was then strongly aci- 

 dulated with hydrochloric acid, and allowed to stand 24 hours, when it 

 deposited a considerable quantity of white crystals. These were collected, 

 dried, and purified by crystallization from benzol, as, unlike pentachlor- 

 orcin, they are but sparingly soluble in carbon disulphide. When pure it 

 crystallizes in transparent prisms of great dispersive power. It is very 

 soluble in ether, moderately so in light petroleum-oil, and almost insoluble 

 in water. "When heated with hydriodic acid and phosphorus it is decom- 

 posed, but apparently without the formation of trichlororcin. It is very 

 soluble in alcohol, and after boiling the solution for some time the addition 

 of water causes the precipitation of an oil, which solidifies if exposed to the 

 air for a few days. When the substance is boiled with water the latter 

 becomes milky, and gives off pungent vapours. The hypochlorite dissolves 

 in hot nitric acid, and crystallizes out on cooling ; hot concentrated sul- 

 phuric acid decomposes it. It has a considerably higher melting-point 

 than pentachlororcin, namely 140°' 5. The following results were obtained 

 by analysis : — 



I. '272 grm. substance gave *240 grm. carbonic anhydride and '033 grm. 

 water. 



II. *2/4 grm. substance gave *242 grm. carbonic anhydride and *032 grm. 

 water. 



III. -257 grm. substance gave -633 grm. argentic bromide. 



IV. • 147 grm. substance gave '361 grm. argentic bromide. 



* Phil. Trans. 1848, p. 87. 



t Ann. Chini. Phvs. [3] vol. xxiv. p. 317. 



I Ann. Chem. Pharrn. vol. cxxxiv. p. 2,37. 



