A Manual of the Chemistry of the Carbon Compounds

112 THE CHEMISTRY OF
Diethylated ethyl oxide is converted by hydriodic acid into ethyl
iodide and a secondary hexyl iodide;—
C2H6O.CH + 2Ht = C2H6I + CHI + H8O
CH CH
TetracMarethyl Oxide ^CH*} 0 " a li( l uid filing at 189°, and
smelling like fennel. On heating it with water to 100° it yields
alcohol and trichloracetaldehyde (chloral):—
CCI3 CCL
I + H2O = I + H0.CaH6 + HC1
OHO
C Cl )
PercMorethyl Oxide Q 2 6 >-0 is the final product obtained by acting
with th chlorine hlri on tetrachlorethyl tthlthl oxide id in i the th sunlight. liht It forms f white hit
crystals melting at 69°, and decomposing at 300° into hexachloretbane
and triacetyl chloride:—
ffihyl Nitrate -X: 6 \ 0 may bo obtained by gradually adding
perfectly pure concentrated nitric acid to absolute alcohol, which is
contained in a vessel surrounded by ice. Common nitric acid exerts
a violent action on alcohol, oxidation takes place, and nitric trioxide is
given off, which acts on a portion of the alcohol, forming ethyl nitrite;
but if a substance is present which is capable of destroying any
nitrogen trioxide as soon as it is formed, ethyl nitrate will be produced.
This compound can easily be prepared in quantities by
mixing one part of urea with five parts of pure nitric acid and three
parts of commercial absolute alcohol, and distilling the mixture. To
the residue the same quantities of acid and alcohol may be added,
and the operation be repeated so long as no red fames appear.
Ethyl nitrate is a liquid possessing a fragrant odour and boiling at
86°. It bums with a bright white flame, and its vapour, when heated
above the boiling-point, decomposes with a violent explosion,
Efliyl MtrUt CJHJ.NOJ is a mobile, very volatile liquid, having a
very agreeable odour of apples, and boiling at 16*5°. It is best prepared
by acting upon potassium nitrite with a cold mixture of alcohol
and sulphuric acid. Caustic potash decomposes it into alcohol, and
potassium nitrite and nascent hydrogen acta on it in the following
way:—
CaH6NO2 + 3Ha a CjH8.OH + H2O