DE. E. EEAJS-KLAJfD’S EESEAECHES ON OEG-ANO-METALLIC BODIES. 409 
and 760 mm. pressure, —an amount which indicates the displacement of exactly one-fourth 
of the positive groups in the stannic ethylomethide, as was the case in the corresponding 
reaction with stannic ethide. But the composition of the mixed gases does not permit 
of any safe conclusion being drawn as to the exact nature of the reaction. It is obvious, 
however, that it is the ethyl group chiefly which is removed by the hydracid. The 
analysis of the salt formed at the same time would no doubt supply the necessary 
e\idence. 
III. Action of Zincethyl u^pon Iodide of Mercurymethyl. 
The formation of stannic ethylomethide, in the manner just described, encouraged 
me to attempt a similar reaction in the case of the iodide of mercurymethyl, — -a body 
which is formed under precisely the same conditions as iodide of stanethyl, and to 
{ C H 
^ regarding it as related to biniodide of mercury 
in the same manner as iodide of stanethyl is connected with biniodide of tin. Mr. Buck- 
ton’s announcement of the formation of mercuric ethide [ which from my point of view 
must be regarded as Hgj ^ j by an analogous reaction, tended also to strengthen 
the hope that a mercuric ethylomethide might be thus obtained. 
When iodide of mercurymethyl is added to pure zincethyl, there is scarcely any action 
perceptible beyond the solution of the mercury compound ; nevertheless, after the lapse 
of a few hours, a copious deposit of iodide of zinc takes place. The product obtained 
in this manner from two ounces of the iodide of mercurymethyl was submitted to distil- 
lation : it began to boil at 98° C. ; the thermometer remained stationary for some time at 
120° C., and then suddenly rose to 158° C., at which temperature nearly the whole of 
the remaining product passed over. The distillate possessed in a high degree the 
powerful and unmistakeable odour of zincmethyl. It was washed with water and dilute 
hydrochloric acid, dried over chloride of calcium, and rectifled in an oil-bath. It began 
to boil at 149° C., but the thermometer rose almost immediately to 165°, between which 
point and 157° C. nearly the whole of the remaining liquid passed over. The last 
drops distilled at 165° C. The portion distilling between 155° and 157° C. was received 
apart and used in the following determinations : — 
I. -4590 grm., burnt with oxide of copper and free oxygen, the mercury being collected 
in a drawn-out portion of the combustion-tube projecting from the furnace, gave -3044 
grm. carbonic acid, T930grm. water, and -3569 grm. mercury. 
II. 4979 grm. gave 3337 grm. carbonic acid and '2101 grm. water. 
III. '6338 grm. gave '4918 grm. mercury. 
These results correspond with the formula of mercuric ethide,— 
