Am.  Jour.  Phaem.  ) 
Oct.  1,  18TI.  J 
Notes  on  Chloral, 
447 
Chloral  is  formed  by  passing  dry  chlorine  through  alcohol,  until 
fumes  of  muriatic  acid  are  no  longer  given  off,  and  the  spirit  has  as- 
sumed a  yellow  color.  This  liquid  is  heated  until  it  boils.  It  is  then 
mixed  with  three  times  its  bulk  of  sulphuric  acid  and  finally  redistilled 
over  quick-lime. 
Its  formation  seems  to  depend  upon  the  aiSinity  that  chlorine  has 
for  hydrogen,  the  former  gas  taking  it  from  alcohol  and  being  dis- 
engaged during  the  process  as  hydrochloric  acid.  Alcohol  is  composed 
of  C4Hg02 ;  by  abstraction  of  two  equivalents  of  hydrogen  (which  takes 
place  at  the  beginning  of  the  process)  it  becomes  aldehyde  C^H^Oo. 
As  the  chlorine  continues  to  pass  it  takes  with  it  three  more  equiva- 
lents of  hydrogen,  leaving,  however,  three  of  chlorine  in  their  place; 
the  aldehyde,  therefore,  is  decomposed,  and  C4CI3HO2  remains,  which 
is  chloral. 
Pure  hydrate  of  chloral,  according  to  Dr.  Rieckher,  does  not  take 
fire  when  heated  in  a  spoon  over  a  spirit  lamp,  but  evaporates  without 
residue,  [the  alcoholate  when  similarly  treated  inflames].  Nitric 
acid  sp.  gr.  1*20,  either  cold  or  hot,  should  not  produce  any  reaction 
with  it.  I  find  that  its  aqueous  solution  produces  a  dense  precipitate 
when  mixed  with  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead. 
The  hydrate  is  readily  dissolved  by  alcohol,  ether,  oil  of  turpentine, 
benzole,  bisulphide  of  carbon  and  the  fixed  oils.  The  solution  in  the 
last  named  article  might  prove  of  value  to  the  physician  as  a  topical 
application,  perhaps  available  in  neuralgic  or  gouty  afi'ections. 
When  equal  parts  of  camphor  (in  small  pieces)  and  hydrate  of 
chloral  in  crystals  are  shaken  together  in  a  vial  and  allowed  to  stand, 
they  become  fluid,  forming  a  clear  solution.  This  might  also  be  of 
use  as  an  external  remedy. 
When  hydrate  of  chloral  and  sulphuric  acid  are  mixed,  a  great  re- 
duction of  temperature  takes  place. 
Both  pure  chloral  and  its  aqueous  solution  dissolve  morphia  freely. 
Quinia  is  soluble,  to  a  considerable  extent,  in  a  strong  solution  of 
the  hydrate,  six  grains  readily  dissolving  in  one  and  a  half  fluid- 
drachms. 
Cinchonia,  strychnia,  veratria,  aconitia,  atropia,  are  also  soluble  in 
the  same  menstruum. 
From  this  it  appears  to  be  a  general  solvent  for  the  alkaloids,  and 
perhaps  their  solutions  might  be  used  with  advantage  for  making  oint- 
ments, or  for  mixing  with  oils  for  liniments,  &c. 
