70 
ON VALERIANATE OF QUININE. 
salt is formed of one equivalent of valerianic acid, one of qui- 
nine, and two equivalents of water, of which one constitutes 
its water of crystallization. The crystalline form of this salt is 
very different ; it is octoedrical or hexsedral. We have our- 
selves obtained it in hexaedrons, flattened on two faces, and 
forming rhomboidal tables perfectly characterized. It is often 
agglomerated in light, silky masses. Independent of this last 
fact, the crystals are hard and tolerably heavy. 
Valerianate of quinine has a slight odour of valerianic acid, 
and a decided bitter taste, recalling that of cinchona. It dis- 
solves with facility in water at a common temperature. Alcohol 
is a better solvent ; and olive oil dissolves it equally well, 
assisted by a slight heat. The mineral acids, and most of the 
organic acids, decompose it. Submitted to a heat of about 
90°, crystallized valerianate of quinine loses an equivalent of 
water, softens, and melts like a resinous substance. Deprived 
of water, it is rendered insoluble in this liquid, while, on the con- 
trary, it is very soluble in alcohol. Exposed to a higher tem- 
perature, it cannot be made to part with its other equivalent 
of water, but is decomposed, and mono-hydrated valerianic 
acid vapors are seen to escape from the resinous mass. The 
aqueous solutions of this salt, exposed to the heat of boiling 
water, also decompose, and oily drops are seen to float upon 
the surface of the liquid, which cannot be made to redissolve 
in the water, except by means of spirit of wine, and is nothing 
more than mono-hydrated valerianate. 
Preparation. 
To a concentrated alcoholic solution of quinine add vale- 
rianic acid in slight excess. Dilute the alcoholic solution 
with twice its volume of distilled water; mix intimately, and 
evaporate in a stove at a heat not surpassing 122°, Fahr. 
After the evaporation of the alcohol, the valerianate is exhi- 
bited in the form of handsome crystals, here and there grouped 
or isolated, which increase from day to day. 
The valerianate of quinine may likewise be prepared by 
