On new compounds of carbon and hydrogen, and on certain other products obtained during the decomposition of oil by heat / [Michael Faraday].

  • Faraday, Michael, 1791-1867
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On new compounds of carbon and hydrogen, and on certain other products obtained during the decomposition of oil by heat / [Michael Faraday]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    carbon, and hydrogen; but I reserve the consideration of these, and of other similar compounds, to another oppor- tunity. Iodine appears to exert no action upon the substance in several days in sun-light; it dissolves in the liquid in small quantity, forming a crimson solution. Potassium heated in the liquid did not lose its brilliancy, or exert any action upon it, at a temperature of i86°. Solution of alkalis, or their carbonates, had no action upon it. Nitric acid acted slowly upon the substance and became red, the fluid remaining colourless. When cooled to 32°, the substance became solid and of a fine red colour, which dis- appeared upon fusion. The odour of the substance with the acid was exceedingly like that of almonds, and it is probable that hydrocyanic acid was formed. When washed with water, it appeared to have undergone little or no change. Sulphuric acid added to it over mercury exerted a moderate action upon it, little or no heat was evolved, no blackening took place, no sulphurous acid was formed ; but the acid became of a light yellow colour, and a portion of a clear colourless fluid floated, which appeared to be a product of the action. When separated, it was found to be bright and clear, not affected by water or more sulphuric acid, solidifying at about 34°, and being then white, crystalline, and dendritical. The substance was lighter than water, soluble in alcohol, the solution being precipitated by a small quantity of water, but becoming clear by great excess.* * The action of sulphuric acid on this and the other compounds to be described, is very remakable. It is frequently accompanied with heat; and large quantities of