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THE CHEMICAL GAZETTE No. CCCCX.—November 15, 1859 SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY. On the so-called Cyanoform. By Dr. C. Nachbaur. A compound of cyanogen, C 2 HCy 3 , analogous to chloroform, bromoform, and iodoform, is not known with certainty. Neverthe less Bonnet supposed it to exist in the fluid which he obtained by the distillation of acetate of lime with an equal quantity of prussian blue or cyanide of mercury, and of which he states that it contained no acetone, acetic acid, or hydrocyanic acid, but consisted merely of cyanoform and water, the latter of which could be separated by chloride of calcium. He describes cyanoform as a colourless, tole rably volatile, neutral fluid, smelling of hydrocyanic acid and tobacco-smoke, not inflammable, soluble in aether, alcohol, and water. No analysis is given. A body of this kind appeared to be of great interest, and de serving of more accurate study. The author was induced by Pro fessor Hlasiwetz to undertake the following experiments. The mixture of cyanide of mercury and dehydrated acetate of lime was distilled over the spirit-lamp at a moderate heat in small portions (about 1 ounce at a time, as the employment of larger quan tities gives a smaller result, especially in the most important product of this reaction). A yellowish fluid, which soon becomes brown, and has an empyreumatie odour mixed with an odour of hydro cyanic acid, is obtained; much mercury is reduced; towards the conclusion crystals appear in the neck of the retort, which behave like acetamide; and there remains in the retort a carbonaceous resi due. The amount obtained is but small. This crude product is a rather complicated mixture; it contains acetonitrile, acetone, and hydrocyanic acid; but what Bonnet regards as cyanoform, is a peculiar new base, the description of which will be the principal object of the following observations. It is obtained as follows It is first rectified on the water-bath. For a long time the boiling-point of the fluid remains between 171° and 176° F., and Chem. Gaz. 1859. z , Ul rVli uflktl