The electrolysis of organic compounds : Papers / by Hermann Kolbe (1845-1868).

  • Kolbe, Hermann, 1818-1884.
Date:
1900
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The electrolysis of organic compounds : Papers / by Hermann Kolbe (1845-1868). Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    OBSERVATIONS ON THE OXIDIZING POWER OF OXYGEN WHEN DIS- ENGAGED BY MEANS OF VOLTAIC ELECTRICITY* IN describing in a former paper f the properties of sesquichloro-carbohyposulphuric acid, I stated that this body resists the action of the most powerful oxidizing agents, such as chromic acid, nitric acid, and even nitro- hydrochloric acid. I likewise stated the change it undergoes by the action of a voltaic current, when an easily oxidizable metal is used for the positive pole. By this means another copulated acid is produced, in which one or more equivalents of chlorine are replaced by corresponding proportions of hydrogen. I have since observed that this acid is completely decomposed on employing two platina plates as elec- trodes ; by which arrangement oxygen is disengaged at the positive pole. The following details, which contain a more perfect account of this observation, I hope will be acceptable to the Society. On decomposing a concentrated solution of sesqui- chloro-carbohyposulphate of potash by a strong voltaic current (obtained by four elements of Bunsen's battery), at the commencement no hydrogen can be observed at the negative pole in consequence of the formation of the above-mentioned copulated acids, whilst chlorine, carbonic acid, and afterwards oxygen, are evolved at the positive pole. At the moment decomposition commences a * [From Memoirs and Proceedings of the Chemical Society of London. Vol. 3 (1848), pp. 285-287. Read December 7, 1846.] t Liebig's Annakii der C/ie/i/ie, liv. pp. 156, 160.