RESEARCHES UPON SALICIN. 
137 
Hyduret of Salicyle. 
The hyduret of salicyle, in its crude state, presents itself 
under the form of an oil, of a more or less intense red color ; 
its agreeable and aromatic odor resembles a little that of the 
oil of bitter almonds; a simple distillation suffices to deprive it 
of color. The distilled oil is perfectly colorless; but if left in 
contact with the air, or even in bottles badly stopped, it again 
becomes red. In other respects, besides the color, its proper- 
ties are not changed by the air; its taste is burning and aroma- 
tic, like the volatile oils. 
Water dissolves a notable quantity, and the aqueous solu- 
tion possesses the odor and taste of the oil itself. It has no ac- 
tion on litmus paper; put in contact with the salts of the perox- 
ide of iron, it produces a very intense violet color. This color, 
when not in contact with the air, undergoes no change, but by 
the action of the air or of an acid, it becomes a dirty yellow. 
The salts of the peroxide of iron and of every other metal have 
no action on the aqueous solution of hyduret of salicyle. 
Alcohol and ether dissolves the hyduret of salicyle in every 
proportion. Its density is 1.1731 at the temperature of 13°. 5; 
it boils at 196°.5 c. under the pressure of .760. 
The hyduret of salicyle decomposes the alkaline carbonates 
even in the cold. By the aid of a bottle the decomposition is 
very manifest; the hyduret is soon dissolved, and the carbonic 
acid given off. 
The caustic alkalies, when put in contact with the hyduret, 
enter into combination with it. The combination takes place 
with the disengagement of heat, and the compound which re- 
sults separates from the alkaline liquid, if this be sufficiently 
strong. 
Chlorine and bromine have a very powerful action on the 
hyduret of salicyle, accompanied with a great elevation of tem- 
perature and the disengagement of hydrochloric or hydro- 
bromic acids. The whole substance is converted into chloride 
or bromide of salicyle. 
Iodine is abundantly dissolved in hyduret of salicyle, with- 
out any action upon it, whether hot or cold. Concentrated ni- 
vol. v. — NO. II. 18 
