1889-90.] Prof. Crum Brown & Mr Jas. Walker on Synthesis. 299 
Synthesis by Means of Electrolysis. — Part IV. Synthesis 
of Suberic and n-Dicarbododecanic Acids. By Prof. 
Crum Brown and Dr James Walker. 
(Read July 7, 1890.) 
(Abstract.) 
Suberic Acid . — In continuation of our syntheses of dibasic acids 
by means of electrolysis, we have prepared suberic acid from glu- 
taric acid, and from the former again a new acid, which we term 
%-dicarbododecanic acid. 
Potassium ethyl glutarate was electrolysed under the same condi- 
tions as are described in our first paper (Proc. Boy. Soc. Edin ., 
1888-9, p. 54). A colourless oil floated to the top of the solution 
after completion of the electrolysis. This oil was separated, dried, 
and heated for some time on the water-bath to drive off any alcohol 
formed by saponification of the potassium ethyl salt by the potas- 
sium (potash) liberated at the negative pole. It was found to boil, 
not very constantly, between 265° and 275° (uncorrected). Analysis 
yielded the following results : — 
T137 gr. substance gave *2602 gr. C0 2 
and *0959 gr. H 2 0 
Found. Calculated for C 12 H 22 04 
C 62*41 per cent. 62*61 per cent. 
H 9*37 „ 9*56 „ 
On saponification, a white potassium salt was obtained, which 
could he recrystallised from alcohol. The acid prepared from this 
by precipitation melted at 138°. Analysis of the potassium salt 
resulted as follows : — 
*2484 gr. gave *1388 gr. K 2 C0 3 
Found. Calculated for K 2 C 8 H 12 0 4 
K 31*6 per cent. 31*2 per cent. 
The yield of ether is about 20 per cent, of the potassium ethyl 
glutarate employed. 
n-Dicarbododecanic Acid . — Potassium ethyl suberate falls out 
