446 
DE. A. W. HOFMAXX OX THE PHOSPHOErS-BASES. 
crystals proved, however, that they by no means consisted of the compound ui'ea of which 
I was in search. From the analysis, which I intend to give in connexion -with other 
researches, it appeared that the crystals still possessed the composition of cyanate of 
phenyl, that, indeed, they were cyanurate of jyhenyl. The triethylphosphine in this case 
appears to induce nothing more than a new molecular disposition of the elements in 
cyanate of phenyl. The peculiar character of this metamorphosis may be perceived in 
the most beautiful manner by dipping a glass rod moistened with triethylphosphine into 
a considerable quantity of cyanate of phenyl. The liquid immediately becomes hot. 
and solidifies after a few seconds into a shining crystalline mass of the cyanurate. 
Similar results were obtained by the action of the phosphorus-base on cyanate of ethyl. 
The two bodies may be mixed without evolution of heat, and the mixture does not 
solidify ; but the transformation is soon indicated by the diminution of the penetrating 
odour of the cyanate. If, as soon as the odour has disappeared, the liquid be mixed 
with dilute hydrochloric acid which removes the free phosphorus-base, the oil which 
floats on the surface quickly solidifies into a sohd crystalline mass exhibiting, when 
recrystallized from boiling water, all the properties of cyanurate of ethyl. — When a 
stream of cyanic acid gas is passed through triethylphosphine, the odour of the acid 
disappears, while the phosphorus-base becomes turbid, and yields a white deposit of 
cyanuric acid. 
In connexion with these experiments, I have had occasion to connnce myself that 
cyanic acid gas and phosphoretted hydrogen do not act upon one another, at least at 
ordinary temperatures. — I was naturally anxious to ascertain whether the peculiar 
action of the phosphorus-base on the cyanates extended likewise to the cyanides. I 
found, however, that cyanide of methyl (acetonitrile) or cyanide of phenyl (benzonitrile) 
may be left for days in contact with the phosphorus-base at temperatures varying from 
100° to 150°, without experiencing the slightest alteration. Had these substances been 
changed under the above conditions, like the cyanates, their transformation into methyl- 
and phenyl-compounds corresponding to cyanethine might have been expected. 
Experiments in the Methyl-series. 
The information which I have collected with reference to the phosphorus-compoimds. 
has been almost exclusively obtained by the study of triethylphosphine. In exceptional 
■cases only have I worked in the methyl-series. Trimethylphosphine, on account of its 
volatility, is much less easily prepared than the ethyl-compound, and especially much 
more difficult to preserve. This body is oxidized with such rapidity, that it disappears 
from the hands of the operator during manipulation. Its odour, moreover, is insupport- 
able for any length of time. 
Nevertheless, I have made a few experiments with the methyl-compound, a slight 
sketch of which may form the conclusion of this paper. 
The phosphorus-derivatives of the methyl-series exhibit the most perfect analogy 
with the corresponding ethyl-compounds. 
