578 
EESEAECHES OE DE. HOI3IA2S7N’ AXD M. CAHOEES 
by one of us about eight years ago, regarding the methylated and ethylated derivatives 
of ammonia*. 
The experiments which we have to communicate refer chiefly to the methyl- and ethyl- 
compormds ; though here and there we have used amyl as material. Since we have pre- 
ferred working in the ethyl-series, we begin with the description of the ethyl-compounds. 
EXPEEIMENTS IN THE ETHTL-SEEIES. 
Action of Teechloeide of Phosphoeus on Zinc-ethyl. 
The reaction between these two bodies is very violent, and readily gives rise to danger- 
ous explosions, if the necessary precautions are neglected. "SVe have generally adopted 
the following arrangement. A tubulated retort is joined to a receiver which in its tmn 
a. Apj)aratus for generating carbonic acid. h. Wasb-bottle containing sulphuric acid. c. Eesen'oir of 
carbonic acid. d. Bent tube containing tercbloride of phosphorus, e. Eeceirer. f. Eetort containing 
zinc-ethyl, g. Dropping apparatus fiUed with terchloride of phosphorus. 
is coirnected with a wide glass tube bent at an angle of about 130°, and acts like a 
secorrd receiver. The angle of this tube is fllled rvith terchloride of phosphorus, arrd the 
tube is connected with a large cylinder which is supplied by a suitable apparatus with 
dry carbonic acid. As soon as the carbonic acid has expelled the air from the reservoir, 
tube, receiver, and retort, an exit-tube from the reservoir, up to that time closed by a 
caoutchouc cap, is opened to let out the carbonic acid, the evolution of which is main- 
tained during the whole operation. The tubulatui’e of the retort is now connected Avith 
the copper digester in which the zinc-ethyl has been prepared; and as soon as the 
retort has received a charge of the ethereal solution of zinc-ethyl, there is fixed into the 
same tubulature a little dropping apparatus, consisting of a glass globe, nith a tubula- 
ture and stopper at the top, and terminating beloAv in a glass tube m which a stopcock 
is fitted. This apparatus is filled with terchloride of phosphorus, and by appropriately 
adjusting the stopcock and opening or closing the stopper of the glass globe, any 
desired flow of the fluid can be maintamed Avith the greatest nicety. 
However slowly the action may be accomplished, and hoAA'eA er Avell, moreover, the retort 
* Philosophical Transactions, 1850, p. 93 ; 1851, p. 357. 
