174 
C H ) 
acetate, and on the hydride of ethyl 2 jj 5 J- , obtained from 
ethyl compounds, the existence of a difference in the four 
combining powers of a carbon atom was rendered probable. 
The subsequent researches of Schorlemmer have, however, 
proved that only one hydrocarbon of the formula C 2 H 6 exists, 
inasmuch as he succeeded in preparing ethyl chloride from 
lytic decomposition of an alkaline acetate (Proc. R. Soc., 
XIII., 225) ; as well as from ethyl hydride, obtained from 
ethyl compounds. — (J. Chem. Soc., N.S., II. 262.) 
It appeared of great interest to repeat this synthesis, and 
to prepare the chloride in larger quantity, from which to 
prepare ethyl compounds and ascertain their chemical and 
physical properties. 
At the request of Mr. Schorlemmer, I undertook this 
investigation. I take this opportunity to express my thanks 
to that gentleman, and also to Professor Roscoe for the kind 
assistance rendered to me throughout this research. 
I prepared the di-methyl by the electrolytic decomposi- 
tion of acetate of potash, according to the process described 
by Kolbe. The gas, evolved from a platinum plate con- 
tained in a porous cell, was passed first through a solution 
of caustic potash, to absorb the carbonic acid, afterwards 
through nordhausen acid, and over pumice stone moistened 
with oil of vitriol, to free it from a trace of oxide of methyl 
or hydrocarbon absorbable by this acid, and finally through 
a solution of caustic potash, to absorb acid fumes, any car- 
bonic acid which had escaped the first wash bottle, or traces 
of sulphurous acid. The gas thus prepared had a very 
slight odour, it burnt with a non-luminous flame. 
The following analysis of it is according to Bunsen’s 
method : — - 
the hydrocarbon 
rHr °^ a * nec ^ b y the e l ec t ro_ 
