42 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
The analysis of the body thus purified, and of its chloroplatinate, 
leaves no doubt as to its composition. It is the hydrochlorate of 
triethyl-phosphorus-betaine, (C 8 H 17 P0 2 )HC1, formed by the direct 
union of one molecule of chloracetic acid with one of triethyl- 
phosphine 
P(C 2 H 5 ) 3 + Cl— ch 2 — cooh 
(C 2 h 5 ) 3 =pZcP 2 " 
COOH 
Contrary to expectation and to Hofmann’s statement, it is not 
perceptibly deliquescent, and may be exposed to the air for days 
without liquefying. It has a sour taste and acid reaction. 
Its chloroplatinate , (C 8 H 17 PO.,HCl) 2 PtCl 4 , forms somewhat soluble 
crystals of a light orange colour, which may be obtained of large 
size. 
The sulphate , (C 8 H l7 P0 2 ) 2 S0 4 , obtained by acting on the hydro- 
chlorate with sulphate of silver and evaporating the solution in 
vacuo , forms a solid crystalline mass. It was not analysed owing to 
its deliquescence. 
The base, (C 8 H l7 P0 2 )0H, was obtained from the hydrochlorate by 
the action of oxide of silver and subsequent evaporation of the 
solution in vacuo It is crystalline but extremely deliquescent. 
Exposed for some months in vacuo over sulphuric acid, it loses a 
molecule of water, and is converted into the anhydrous base* 
/p it \ — P — CH — COOH w n ^ „ , — p — CH 2 — CO 
(C 2 H 5 ) 3 =P_ OH - = H 2 0 + (C 2 H 5 ) 3 =P 0 ? — i 
The anhydrous base was analysed. 
Ethyl-chlorate of Trietliyl-phosphorus-betaine. — According to 
Hofmann ( loc . cit.) chloracetic ether combines with triethyl-phos- 
phine with the evolution of heat, and formation of a brownish 
liquid of considerable consistency. On repeating this experiment 
the author obtained a colourless syrup which solidified after a few 
minutes to a colourless crystalline mass. 
The ethyl-chlorate thus obtained is extremely deliquescent, and 
cannot be recrystallised. 
Its composition was verified by the analysis of its platinum salt, 
* Tlie base dimethyl-thetine behaves in a similar manner. 
