DE. A. W. HOFMANN ON THE PHOSPHOEIJS-BASES. 
in bromide of bromethyl-ammonium and the action of ammonia on the bodies thus pro- 
duced, the following compounds might be generated : — 
[(C,H3Br,)H3N]Br+2H3N = [(C,H3)"' H, N3]''' Br,. 
[(C3H3Br3)H3N]Br+3H3N = [(C3HJ™ Biv 
[(C3 H Br^) H3 N] Br+ 4 H 3 N = [(C3 H )'™ H,, Nj]’"" Br^. 
[(C3B13) H3N]Br+6H3N = [(C3 H,, N^]™' Biv 
Again, the fixation of the ammonia-molecules might be attempted, not by the pro- 
gressive bromination of the ethyl, but by the accumulation of monobrominated ethyl- 
molecules in the ammonium-nucleus. The bromide of the di-bromethylammonium, 
when submitted to the action of ammonia, would thus yield the tribromide of a triam- 
monium, the bromide of tri-bromethylammonium, the tetrabromide of a tetrammonium, 
and, lastly, the bromide of tetra-bromethylammonium, the pentabromide of a pentammo- 
nium. 
[(C2 H, Br), N] Br+2H3 N = [(C, H,)" H3 N3]"' Bi^ 
[(C,H,Br)3H N]Br+3H3N = Biv 
[(C, Br), N] Br+4H3 N = [(C, H^);' N5]'"" Br^. 
As yet the bromination of the alcohol-bases presents some difiiculty; appropriately 
selected reactions, however, will doubtless furnish these bodies. They will probably be 
obtained by indirect means, similar to those by which, years ago, I succeeded in pre- 
paring the chlorinated and brominated derivatives of phenylamine ; or these substances 
may be generated by the action of pentachloride and pentabromide of phosphorus upon 
the oxethylated bases, a process which, from the few experiments recorded in this 
memoir, promises a rich harvest of results. 
I have but faint hope that I may be able to trace these new paths to their goal ; 
inexorable experiment follows but slowly the flight of light-winged theory. The com- 
mencement is nevertheless made, and even now the triammonium- and tetrammonium- 
compounds begin to unfold themselves in unexpected variety. 
I conclude this memoir with the expression of my best thanks for the untiring patience 
with which Mr. Petee Griess has assisted me in the performance of my experiments on 
the phosphorus-bases. The truly philosophical spirit in which this talented chemist 
has accompanied me throughout the varying fortunes of this inquiry, will always be one 
of my most pleasing recollections. 
