MEECUEIC, STAJ^NIC, AJ^D PLUMBIC ETHYLS. 
429 
This substance is identical with the sulphate of Lowig’s base, methylo-stanethyl. I 
would propose a name which has a reference to the true constitution of the salts, and 
call it sulphate of distanno-triethyl. 
This sulphate differs in many respects from the ordinary sulphate of stanethyl. The 
foimer is inflammable, and crystallizes either in fine needles or shining grains, which 
under a low magnifying power present the form of well-defined octahedra. Sulphate of 
stanethyl, on the other hand, is not combustible, and appears under the microscope in 
small, somewhat roundish irregular plates. The sulphate of distanno-triethyl, more- 
over, shows, in a remarkable manner, the unusual character of greater insolubility in 
hot than in cold water. A clear, cold, saturated solution becomes semisolid when raised 
to a temperature somewhat short of boiling. The salt is very volatile, and attacks the 
nose vigorously. 
I have not succeeded in isolating the corresponding radical, most probably from the 
reason that its salts exchange with zincethyl their acid molecule for an additional ethyl 
atom, and thus are converted into two equivalents of stannic diethyl. Although the 
affinities of these sesquiethylated compounds are remarkably strong, resisting, as we have 
seen, the action of potash, there may be some hesitation in assuming with certainty the 
existence of the radical itself. All the salts may be viewed simply as double compounds ; 
and if future investigation proves them to be such, no exceptional case would arise 
against viewing them as formed on the tjqie of the tin oxides. 
Sesquioxide of tin does not appear to be known either as an artificial or natural 
product. The bromide and iodide of the sesquiethylated tin base is always one of the 
products of the action of those elements upon stannic diethyl. 
Oxide of distanno-triethyl may be conveniently formed from the sulphate by boiling 
the salt in strong aqueous potash. If the latter be not in much excess, the oxide is 
liberated as an oily body, heavier than water, and which solidifies when cold. It is 
moderately soluble in water, and may be distilled, as has been seen, from aqueous 
po as . t as a powerful caustic taste, and when left in contact with the skin, pro- 
uces painful blisters. The aqueous solution precipitates the oxide, on addition of 
common sa t. hese properties confirm Lowig’s experiments, and very generally accord 
with the properties of the oxide of methylo-stanethyl. 
Occasmnally it happens that, from an irregularity in the temperature employed for 
ausing mdide of ethyl to act upon metallic tin, a yellow oily body is formed, and that 
sufficient quantity to prevent the crystallization of the iodide of stanethyl. This 
o y has a penetrabng odour, and appears to be identical with that obtained by Eiche 
that with aqueous potash, it will be remarked 
acid . by distillation yields an alkaline liquid, which furnishes with sulphuric 
remains tlmt th^ 1 of sulphate of distanno-triethyl. No doubt therefore 
, ^ ^be corresponding iodide of the formula Sii^ (C, ) 3 l. By 
- paration of biniodide of tin, which is to be found as one of the products of the reaction 
3 L 
MDCCCLIX. 
