A Manual of the Chemistry of the Carbon Compounds

THE GARBON COMPOUNDS. 127
( C H
solution mercuric ehloreihide Hg •! Q? 6 is precipitated, and the solution
contains Usmutheihyl dichloride Bi(C2H6)Cl2> which on evaporation
is obtained in small crystals.
BOBETHYI, OB TBIETHYI^ORINE Bo
This compound is prepared by gradually adding ethyl borate to
zinc-ethyl:—
3Zn (C2H6)2 =
Trietbylborine is a colourless liquid, boiling at 95°, and possessing
an irritating odour; its vapour strongly attacks the mucous membranes
and eyes. In contact with air it takes fire, burning -with a
smoky green flame; but when air is only very gradually brought in
/n TT
contact with it, the compound Bo< OC«HR is formed, a liquid boili
n o r t
ing at 125°, and which is decomposed by water into alcohol and
Bo(OH)2CaHs, a crystalline solid, liaving a sweet taste. On heating
triethylborine with concentrated hydrochloric acid, ethane is evolved,
andbor-diethyl chloride BoCl(C2H6)2 left behind.
COMPOUNDS OF ETHYL AND SULPHUR.
Ethyl ffydrosulphide, or Mercapian a JJ {• S is formed by the action
of ethyl chloride, iodide, or potassium ethylsulphate upon potassium
hydrosulphide. To prepare it a solution of caustic potash is saturated
with hydrogen sulphide and then distilled with a concentrated solu-
tion of potassium ethylsulphate. It may also be obtained by the
action of phosphorus pentasulphide upon alcohol:—
0
Mercaptan is a colourless liquid, having a nauseous, intolerable
smell, like onions, and boiling at 36°. It is almost insoluble in water
and very inflammable, burning with a blue flame. On evaporating it
by a rapid current of air, so much heat is absorbed that a portion of
the liquid solidifies into a crystalline mass. The alkaline metals dissolve
in it with evolution of hydrogen and formation of mercaptides as
S. Other metals also are capable of replacing hydrogen in