196 
ON VALERIANIC ACID. 
solution of the acid. To concentrate further the acid thus 
obtained, which is still combined with 3 equiv. water, it is 
submitted alone to fresh distillation ; and as soon as the 
liquid which passes over appears in clear drops and not tur- 
bid, the receiver is to be changed; what now distils over is 
the monohydrated acid. 
Pure valerianic acid is a colourless or pale yellow liquid, 
resembling an essential oil, of a penetrating odour, some- 
what different from the eethereal oil of valerian, and of very 
acrid, acid, disagreeable taste, calling to mind that of va- 
lerian. It floats on water, which dissolves 1 part in 26. 
The solution has a strong acid reaction, and possesses a 
somewhat mild and sweetish taste. Its combinations with 
bases, for instance with soda, have a sweet but at the same 
time valerian-like taste. It dissolves readily in strong alco^ 
hoi and in sether. It is perfectly volatile, and when heated 
in a platinum spoon burns with a luminous flame. Its 
composition in the anhydrous state corresponds, according 
to Eltling and TrommsdorfT, to the formula C 10 H 9 O 3 . 
The first hydrate contains 1 equiv. water. To determine 
the composition of the second hydrate, a solution of 30 grs. 
of carbonate of soda was added to 60 grs. of the oily acid, 
carefully evaporated and dried a little below 212°. The 
dried salt weighed 65.5 grs. ; on treatment with alcohol of 
0.833 spec, grav., 3.4 grs. carbonate of soda remain undis- 
solved, so that the quantity of valerianate of soda formed 
amounted to 62.1 grs.; consequently the 60 grs. of the oily 
acid contained 46.63 grs. acid and 13.37 grs. water, or 
77.718 per cent, acid and 22.282 water, consequently 1 
equiv. acid to 3 equiv. water. 
Valerianate of Quinine. — 1 part of oily valerianic acid 
is dissolved in 60 parts water, and 3 parts of pure (recently 
precipitated is best) quinine added, heated nearly to boil- 
ing, filtered while hot, and then placed in a cold situation. 
The crystals which have separated in the course of a few 
days are removed, and the liquid concentrated at a tempe- 
rature below 122°. About 5 parts of the salt are obtained. 
