of Edinburgh, Session 1877 - 78 . 
713 
Analysis agrees with the formula 
The solution of the substance does not decolourise iodine solution. 
These results point to 
as the probable rational formula of the substance. 
Sulphite of Trimethyl- Sulphine . — This salt was obtained by the 
action of sulphurous acid on the hydrate. It crystallises well, but 
there is some difficulty in preparing a perfectly normal salt. The 
salt, as nearly normal as possible, does not, like the hyposulphite, give 
up its water of crystallisation in the cold over anhydrous phosphoric 
acid; at 140° C., however, it becomes anhydrous. Heated to 175° 
C. it gives off sulphide of methyl — 8 - 3 grammes lost 2-32 grammes, 
or 27 '95 per cent. On cooling, the clear liquid residue solidifies, 
forming a hard, very hygroscopic crystalline mass. This substance 
was so deliquescent that no analysis of it was made. The mode of 
formation leads to 
as its most probable formula. 
Note received on July 24, 1872. — In order to ascertain the nature 
of the crystalline substance obtained by the action of heat on the 
sulphite of trimethyl-sulphine, the authors converted it, by double 
decomposition with iodide of potassium, into the corresponding 
potash salt, which was purified from the iodide of trimethyl sulphine 
by crystallisation. This potash salt was found to agree in pro- 
perties and composition with the “ sulpho-metholate,” or “ methyl- 
sulphonate ” of potash — 
The bearing of this fact on the constitution of the sulphites is 
obvious. 
0 
K— 0— S— CII 3 
0 
