56 
groups, one by a methyl (CHg) and the fourth by an ethyl (CgHg) 
group. (For method of preparation see Sulphonmethanum.) 
Character. — Colorless, lustrous, odorless, crystalline scales which 
have a bitter taste in aqueous solution.^’ 
Solubility. — Soluble in 195 parts of water, more readily in boiling- 
water, and readily soluble in alcohol and ether.” 
It melts at 76° C.; hence if a test-tube containing some of the 
powder be placed in hot water, the substance will melt; Sulphonmeth- 
anum (the melting point of which is 125.5° C.) will not melt under 
these circumstances. 
The aqueous solution should be neutral to litmus paper; no odor 
should be evolved when 1 Gm. is dissolved in 50 Cc. of boiling water. 
Dose. — “Average dose: 1 Gm. (15 grains).” (F. S. P.) 
The German Pharmacopoeia fixes 2 Gm. as the largest single dose 
and d Gm. as the maximum amount to be given in one day. 
Caution. — Should not be combined in full dose with full doses of 
other drugs of similar physiological action, e. g.. Hydrated Chloral, 
Chloralformamide, Sulphonmethane, etc. 
SULPHONMETHANUM. 
Siilplionmethaiie. 
{Sulphonal.) 
(CH3)A(S0AH5), 
This substance is commonly known the trade name, sulphonal — a 
name which has been adopted by the British and several other Phar- 
macopoeias. It should not be confused with Sulphonethylmethanum 
(q. V.). 
Chemistry — Chemically it is diethylsulphonedimethylmethane 
CH. 
>C< 
SOXhH, 
CH. ^^^SO C H’ chemical structure of this substance, as well 
as that of Sulphonethylmethane. is explained by the following reac- 
tions involved in one process of its manufacture: acetone and ethyl- 
mercaptan unite (under the infiuence of dr}" hydrochloric acid gas) to 
form dimethyldiethylmercaptol 
^|>CO + 2HSC.H, = CH, gg + H,0 
Acetone Ethylmercaptan Dimethyl-diethylmercaptol 
Through oxidation with potassium permanganate the sulphur atoms 
combine with oxygen to form sulphone (SO^) groups; the resulting 
product is diethylsulphonedimethylmethane (CH 3 ) 2 C(S 02 C- 2 H 5)2 — n 
name shortened in the Pharmacopoeia to Sulphonmethane. It may be 
regarded as methane (CHJ in which two hydrogen atoms are replaced 
by methyl (CHg) groups and two by ethylsulphone (SO 2 C 2 H 5 ) groups. 
