Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
June,  1884. 
Tasteless  and  Odorless  Ammonium  Valerate.  315 
ammonium  metaborate  and  free  metaboric  acid  are  formed  according 
to  the  following  equation  : 
2(AmHVa)+Na2B407+OH2=2(NaVa)  +  2(AmHB02)  +  2(B02H). 
This  new  form  of  valerate,  aside  from  its  pleasant  flavor  and  odor- 
less character,  must  also  possess  superior  medicinal  qualities.  In  the 
first  place,  the  sodium  valerate,  by  retaining  the  acid  more  firmly  in 
combination,  would  seem  to  aid  its  absorption  and  consequent  efficiency. 
In  the  second  place,  the  ammonium  metaborate  simultaneously  trans- 
mits and  yields  its  base  in  a  more  prompt  and  effective  manner.  In 
the  third  place,  the  boric  radicle  is  itself  possessed  of  just  such  medici- 
nal qualities  as  would  render  it  a  desirable  adjunct.  The  palatable 
and  acceptable  nature  of  the  solution  dispenses  with  the  usual  adjuvants 
of  the  ordinary  valerate,  and  hence  the  writer  proposes  a  simple  aqueous 
solution  in  place  of  the  elixir  and  other  forms.  This  solution,  as  above 
already  stated,  is  practically  odorless ;  that  is,  it  is  free  from  the  per- 
sistent objectionable  valeric  rankness.  This  does  not  imply  its  being 
absolutely  odorless,  however.  On  drying  along  the  walls  of  the  con- 
taining vessel,  as  also  around  the  mouths  of  the  bottles,  a  very  mild 
reminder  of  the  former  taint  adheres,  whilst  in  the  body  of  the  solu- 
tion it  cannot  be  perceived.  Receptacles  having  contained  the  solution 
are  readily  and  perfectly  cleansed  by  simply  rinsing  with  water.  The 
older  forms  of  the  valerate  were  characterized  by  the  nearly  irremov- 
able nature  of  the  odor.  The  new  solution  represents  about  two  grains 
of  the  normal  ammonium  valerate  in  the  fluidrachm,  and  is  prepared 
as  follows : 
Mix  the  valerate  with  one  fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  and  add 
water  of  ammonia,  drop  by  drop,  until  a  clear  and  slightly  alkaline 
solution  is  produced.  Then  add  two  fluidounces  of  distilled  water  and 
the  previously  powdered  borax,  and  when  all  has  dissolved,  excepting 
a  few  contaminating  crystals  of  calcium  borate,  add  distilled  water  to 
the  measure  of  eight  fluidounces,  and  filter  the  solution. 
Ammonium  valerate  cryst  
Borax  
Water  of  ammonia. 
Distilled  water,  of  each  sufficient. 
119  grains. 
191  grains. 
