III. On the preparation of ethylamine
Having recently had occasion to prepare a considerable quantity of ethylamine, we have made the observation that this base may be obtained with much greater facility than is usually believed. We digested together equal volumes of iodide of ethyl, strong alcohol, and aqueous ammonia. The digestion was carried on at a very moderate temperature, certainly not exceeding 80°, but the tubes were constantly agitated. In this manner the reaction is completed in about half an hour. The mixed iodides thus obtained were evaporated to expel excess of ammonia, introduced into a retort; enough potash was added to neutralize 1/10 of the iodine present, and the mixture was distilled into dilute hydrochloric acid. The receiver was then changed, the same quantity of potash again added, and the products collected as before. Then six times as much potash was added, and the products collected. The remaining two-tenths of the potash were added separately.