Abstract
THIS is the first of a series of volumes which are intended to facilitate the identification of organic substances. The scheme commonly, though not invariably, adopted by organic chemists in this connection is to determine the molecular formula of the Compound under investigation, and then to refer to Richter's “Lexicon,” in which all known organic compounds are tabulated according to their molecular formulæ. Further agreement is established by a comparison of physical and chemical properties. The author considers that the difficult technique of conducting an ultimate organic analysis, upon which the above system mainly depends, “is fully mastered only by long practice,” and that there is a shorter cut to the same result. This short cut consists in finding, in the first instance, to what class of compounds—hydrocarbon, alcohol, aldehyde, acid, &c.—the substance belongs, and, when this has been done, in determining such simple physical characters as melting-point, boiling-point, specific gravity, colour, smell, &c., which will lead to its identification. It is therefore necessary for purposes of reference that all the known organic compounds should be grouped into separate classes. This is what the author has done. In each class the individual members are arranged in the order of increasing boiling-point or melting-point. For example, let us suppose that the substance, the identity of which is required, proves to be an acid. All the known organic acids are divided into tables of liquid and solid acids, and these again into categories, which are either soluble or insoluble in water. Suppose that the acid under investigation is a liquid which is soluble in water. Having turned to the table containing the liquid acids soluble in water, an examination of the first column of boiling points will lead, perhaps, to the discovery of one corresponding to the unknown acid. Under, this compound a series of characteristic reactions are described which will enable the investigator to fix the identity of his compound by means of a few simple tests.
A Method for the Identification of Pure Organic Compounds.
Vol. i. By S. P. Mulliken. Pp. xii+364. (New York: John Wiley and Sons; London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1904.) Price 21s. net.
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C., J. A Method for the Identification of Pure Organic Compounds . Nature 70, 98 (1904). https://doi.org/10.1038/070098a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/070098a0