British Chemical Abstracts. A. Pure Chemistry, July

B R IT IS H C H E M I C A L A B S T R A C T S

A .-P U R E CHEMISTRY

JU L Y , 1932.

G eneral, P h y sica l, and In organ ic C hem istry.

Theoretical intensities in the spectrum of H„.

W , C . Pr i c e (Proc. ^{R o y .} Soc., 1932, A, 136, ^{2 6 4 —} 271).—The calc, intensities agree with experiment.

L. L. B.

Isotope effect in the band spectrum of LiH.

6. Na k a m u r a and T. Si i i d e i (Japan. J. Phvs., 1931, 7, 33—46).—Full data for bands previously reported (cf. this vol., 1) are tabulated. Intensities indicate a relative abundance Li7 : Li6 varying from 5 : 2 to 8 :1.

N. M. B.

Quantum mechanics of lithium hydride. E.

Hu t c j h s s o n and M. ^{Mu s k a t} (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 340—344).—Mathematical. N. M. B.

Electric arc between carbon and substances which are insulators at ordinary temperatures.

M. Pi e r u c c i (Nature, 1 9 3 2 , 129, 7 2 4 ) .—The chief characteristics of electric arcs formed between C and heated glass, chalk, or porcelain are described.

L. S. T.

Quantum analysis of the rotational structure of the first positive bands of nitrogen. S. M.

Na u d e (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 114—144).—

An analysis has been made

of

>2

A.)

A.)

tum. The mol. consts. have been evaluated.

L. L. B.

Decrease in intensity in forbidden series. S.

S a m b u r s k y (Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 132—134).—The abnormally slow decrease in intensity in the for­

bidden Na series is explained on the assumption of forced dipole radiation. A. B. D. C.

Ultra-violet absorption bands of sodium vapour. M. ^{K i m u r a} and Y. ^{U c h i d a} (Sci. Papers Inst. Phys. Chem. Res. Tokyo, 1932,18, 109—US).—

The absorption and emission spectra of Na vapour have been investigated in the ultra-violet region. Six band systems were detected in the former and two in the latter and the vibrational structures analysed.

Energy levels of the Na atoms produced by dissociation of excited Na„ mols. have been determined.

J. W. S.

Emission of the yellow-red band spectrum of sodium. M. ^{K i m u r a} and Y. ^{U c h i d a} (Sci. Papers Inst. Phys. Chem. Res. Tokyo, 19 32,18 ,119 —129).—

The emission band spectrum of heated Na vapour excited by a high-tension discharge is identical with certain parts of the absorption spectrum of Na2.

Magnetic rotation spectrum and heat of dis­

sociation of the sodium molecule. F. W. Looms and R. E. ^N u s b a u m (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 380—386; cf. A., 1928, 460).—Wood’s magnetic rotation spectrum of Na2 has been extended by the method used with Li2 and K 2 (cf. this vol., 207) to higher vibrational levels. The energy of dissociation of the normal mol. is, by extrapolation, 0-76 ±0-02 volt, in good agreement with experimental data.

N. M. B.

Heat of dissociation of sodium molecule.

W. H. ^R o d e b u s h (J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1932, 54, 2123).—Recent data lead to a val. of 0-76—0-78 volt.

C. J. W. (c) Nuclear spin of phosphorus from the band spectrum. F . A . Je n k i n s and M. ^{As h l e y} (Nature, 1932, 129, 829—830).—High-dispersion spectrograms of the P2 bands show that the intensities alternate in a manner to be expected from a mol. composed of two like atoms. The intensities alternate in the ratio 3 : 1 and the nuclear spin of the P atom is The deduced val. of the moment of inertia of P2 in its normal state is 90-8x10^° g.-cm.2, and the inter- nuclear distance 1-88x l0 ~8 cm. L. S. T.

Spectra of inert gases. II. E. ^R a s m u s s e n (Z.

Physik, 1932, 75, 695—704; cf. this vol., 208).—

The arc spectrum of A is completed by addition of a

new term. A. B. D. C.

Stark effect for argon. N. ^{R y d e} (Nature, 1932, 129, 758—759).—The Stark effect for A has been observed; the displacements of the energy levels of A in electrical fields are much smaller than those of Ne.

L. S. T.

Estimation of temperature of exploded alumin­

ium vapour by means of an aluminirun hydride emission band. H. N a g a s i i i m a (Sci. Rep. Tokyo Bunrika Daigaku, 1932, 1, 219—225).—The in­

tensity of the A1H band at 4241

A.

A. J. M.

Nuclear moment of potassium and silver. S.

F r i s c h (Physikal. Z. Soviet Union, 1932, 1, 302—

303).—A series of K n lines in the visible region, generated in a discharge tube, has been investigated.

The magnetic moment of the K nucleus is small compared with that of the Na nucleus, and the Ag has a smaller magnetic moment than Cu. J. W. S.

Y Y 667

G68 B R IT IS H CHEMICAL, A B ST R A C T S.-— A .

Anomalous dispersion of calcium vapour. A.

Fi l i p p o v and N. ^K r e m e n e v s k y (Physikal. Z. Soviet Union, 1932, 1, 299—301).—Tho relative intensities of the lines in the 1 S — m P series in tho absorption spectrum of Ca vapour have been determined, and the corresponding transition probabilities calc. These indicate that Ca vapour is not monat. J. W. S.

Zeeman effect in tire arc spectrum of nickel.

C. J. B a r k e r (Proc. Iv. Akad. Wetensch. Amsterdam,

1932, 35, 82—91). J. W. S.

Anomalous dispersion of zinc and cadmium vapours. A. ^Fi l i p p o v (Physikal. Z. Soviet Union, 1932,1, 289—296).—The anomalous dispersion of Zn and Cd resonance lines has been measured with a Jamin-Mach interferometer. J. W. S.

First spark spectrum of arsenic (As II). A. S.

Ra o (Proc. Physical Soc., 1932, ^{4 4 ,} 343—348; ^{c f .} A., 1929, 733).—Combinations between the deep terms of tho singlet and. triplet system of As n were dis­

covered, and about 70 lines classified. A provisional term scheme is set up, the largest term leading to an ionisation potential of about 20-1 volts. N. M. B.

Term values in the arc spectrum of selenium.

R. C. ^{Gi b b s} and J. E. ^{R t j e d y} (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 204—206).—The region A 1000—10,000 was photographed. Classified ultra-violet and new clas­

sified lines and all known terms are tabulated. The first ionising potential of the So atom in its lowest energy state is 78,659 ± 2 cm.'1 or 9-70 volts.

N. M. B.

Fluorescence spectrum of iodine. J. J. A g a r -

b i c e a n u (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1913—1914; cf.

this vol., 552).—A revised table of the fluorescence spectrum of I2 as excited by A 5461, 5770, and 5791 is given, including new anti-Stokes terms (—4), (—5), and (—6) of the series excited by A 5770 and 5791.

The quantum levels v"—0 now become v "= 4 (cf. A., 1922, ii, 178; 1923, ii, 669). C. A. S.

Isotope displacement effects for mercury, thallium, and lead. H. Sc h u l e r and E. G. Jo n e s

(Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 14—18).—Hg I and Hg n have isotope displacements in the same direction; Pb I and Pb.n are also in one direction, but opposite to the Hg displacements, whilst T1 n are opposite to T 11.

Isotope displacements have been spectroscopically observed only for light and heavy elements.

A. B. D. C.

Absorption spectrum of mercury vapour. H.

K u h n and ^{K . F}r e u d e n b e r g (Z. Physik, 1932, ^{7 6 ,} 38—54).—The heat of dissociation of Hg2 is 1-6 kg.- cal., and that of the initial state of the 3300

A.

sion band 17 kg.-cal. A. B. D. C.

Hyperfine structure of lead lines between 5000 and 8000 A. Proof of existence of the lead iso­

tope 204. H. ^Sc h u l e r and E. G. ^{Jo n e s} (Z. Physik, 1932, ^{7 5 ,} 563—569). A. B. D. C.

Pressure shift and broadening of spectral lines.

H. ^Ma e g e n a u (Physical Rev., 1 9 3 2 , [ii], 40, ^{3 8 7}—

4 0 8 ) .—Theoretical. An analysis directly applicable to absorption lines, but qualitatively correct for emission lines, is presented, and compared with data for the shift of A 2 5 3 7 (Hg) in foreign gases. The shift is proportional to the density of the perturbing

gas, and is usually to tho red, with a slight dependence :

on temp. N. M. B.

Hyperfine structure and selective absorption.

B. Ve n k a t e s a c h a r (Z. Physik, 1932, 7 5 , 676—678).

—Polemical against Lau and Reichenheim (this vol.,

208). A. B. D. C.

Isotopic displacement and hyperfine structure.

G. ^{Ra c a h} (Nature, 1932, 129, 723—724).—Theor­

etical. L. S. T.

Complex spectra. G. H. ^Sh o r t l e y (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 185—203).—Theoretical.

N. M. B.

Validity of the Schwarzschild relation as applied to the use of the logarithmic sector. P.

T w y m a n and A. ^{Ha r v e y} (Trans. Opt. Soc., 1932, 33, 1 —8).—The relation is valid within the limits of an experiment for an intensity range of 150 : 1, obtained by varying the distance from the source of the slit, with exposures of 2 min. for a condensed spark between Sn electrodes, the relation being applied to the logarithmic sector used in conjunction with a quartz spectrograph. The length of a spectral line on the plate is proportional to the log. of its intensity.

N. M. B.

Emission of the auroral green Hght in the , night sky. M. ^{K i m u r a} (Sci. Papers Inst. Phys.

Chem. Res. Tokyo, 1932, 18, 166—176).—Of the four processes by which atm. 0 2 can be excited to ]S

state atoms, ready for the emission of the auroral green 5577

A.

Auroral spectrum in the infra-red. W. J e v o n s

(Nature, 1932, 129, 759—760).—A discussion of Yegard’s numeration (cf. this vol., 441). L. S. T.

Visual spectroscopic method for hetero- chromatic photometry. L. S. ^Or n s t e i n, J. G.

E y m e r s, and D. ^Ve r m e u l e n (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 575—583).—A double monochromator may readily be adapted for visual comparison of intensities at different wave-lengths, and eliminates error due to uncertainty in the effective wave-length of filters.

A. B. D. C.

New mass spectrometer. W. R. ^{Sm y t h e} and J. ^Ma t t a u c h (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 429—433;

cf. A., 1927, 85).—A design to avoid the presence of particles of velocities other than those desired, and to eliminate contamination by Hg from the pumps,

is described. N. M. B.

Use of a large Rowland grating, and its defects.

P. ^La c r o u t e (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1803—1805).

—By interposing a cylindrical lens, preferably ol quartz, with the axis horizontal, between the slit and the grating, the luminosity attainable w h e n using a concave Rowland grating can be increased 5—10 times. The production of “ ghosts ” is discussed^

Optical experiments on the accommodation coefficients for molecular rotations of rarefied gases. W. R. ^{v a n} Wijk (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 584—596).—The distribution of intensity in the band lines was used to determine the change in rotational

G E N E R A Ł , P H Y S IC A L , A N D IN O R G A N IC C H E M IS T R Y . 6 6 9

energy of mols, on collision with walls in the contain­

ing vessel. H2 gave uncertain results, but iST2 showed that the ordinary condensation and re-evaporation theory is incomplete; as the rate of rotation increases the probability of condensation decreases.

A. B. D. C.

Light absorption by crystals and an optical method of determining the beat of sublimation.

M. Ki m u r a (Sci. Papers Inst. Phys. Chem. Res.

Tokyo, 1932, 18, 129—140).—It is deduced theoretic­

ally that the difference between the crystal absorption frequency and the corresponding vapour absorption frequency gives an approx. measure of the heat of sublimation of the substance. This relation is shown to bo valid for Tl, Ag, and alkali halides, and enables the position of the first crystal absorption frequency to be estimated when the heat of sublimation of the substance and heat of dissociation of the mol. are

known. J. W. S.

Linear dependence of energy levels on the valency of elements. V. ^{K u n z l} (Coll. Czech. Chem.

Comm., 1932,4,213—224).—The influence of chemical combination with 0 on the character of the X-ray Spectra (K energy levels of elements of at. no. 10—

28 and L m energy levels of elements of at. no. 47—53) is independent of at. no., but depends on valency.

Differences between the energy levels of the elements combined with 0 and in the free state increase linearly with the positive valency. E. S. H.

Satellites accompanying the X-ray diagram bne Jifij. E. R. ^{H i r s h,} jun. (Physical Rev., 1932,

[ii], 40, 151—155). N. M. B.

Refractive index of liquids for X-rays. S. W.

Sm i t h (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, ^{1 5 6}—164).—Data obtained xlO6 for 8 = 1— n using the Cu Xcq line (>.=1-587

A.)

M series in the ultra-soft X-ray region. J. A.

Prins and A. J. ^{Ta k e r s} (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 741—

745).—This series was observed for elements between Zr and Sb, and only one intense line ( 3 f y N m ) appeared.

A. B. D. C.

Temperature and the Compton effect of sylvine. G. E. M. ^Ja u n c e y- and G. C. ^{H a r v e y}

(Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 329—334).—The ratio of the intensity of the incoherent to that of the total scattering for X-rays of wave-length 0-4

A.

of temp. N. M. B.

Atomic scattering power of iron for various X-ray wave-lengtbs. A. J . ^Br a d l e y and R. A. H.

H o p e (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 272—288).—

Powder photographs of FeAl were made with Mo, Cu, Co, Fe, and Cr radiations, from which the at.

scattering factor of Fe for different wave-lengths was

determined. L. L. B.

Anomaly in absorption of X-rays by lead at 210 kv. M. E. ^N a h m i a s (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1911—-1912).—On plotting the coeff. of absorption of Pb against the voltage the anomalous increase for 204 and 210 kv. is confirmed. It is attributed to a

level in the Pb nucleus excited directly or by resonance with radiation about 210 kv. C. A. S.

Elastic reflexion of atoms from crystals. C.

Ze n e r (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 178—184).—

Theoretical. N. M. B.

Double crystal X-ray spectrometer. P. A.

Ross (Rev. Sci. Instr., 1932, [ii], 3, 253—260).

X-Ray investigation of elastic and plastic de­

formation of polycrystalline metals. F. ^{R e g l e r} (Physikal. Z., 1932, 33, 435—43S).—The method of conical reflexion with monochromatic X-rays is used.

A. J. M.

Comparison of tbe multiplex interference spectroscope with other interference spectro­

scopes. E. ^{La u} and E. ^{R i t t e r} (Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 190—200).

Multiplex interference spectroscope. E. ^{Pa u l s} (Phvsikal. Z., 1932, 33, 405—410).—A method of increasing the efficiency of the spectroscope by the use of an arrangement of several plates is described.

A. J. M.

Plioto-electric properties of thin films of alkali metals. S. ^{As a o} (Physics, 1932, 2, 12—20).—A:

composite surface of R-Ag-RaO-Ag has a higher sensitivity over a wider range of X than R -R 20-Ag and has 2 peaks: one at 330—370 mjx and one at about 500 nip. (R—K), 550 mg (Rb), or 700—800 mp

(Cs). ^{Ch. Ab s.}

Effect of adsorbed gases on photo-electric emissivity of Fe and Pt. A. K. ^{Br e w e r} (J. Amer.

Chem. Soc., 1932, 54, 1888—1900).—In presence of various gases Fe and Pt have the photo-electric properties characteristic of composite surfaces. The degree of dissociation of the gases is estimated from ourves of known ion density as a standard. Threshold measurements on surfaces of known ion density show the field of influence about an ion to extend to many times its normal radius. The observed ionisation of N2, II2, and NH3 on Fe and Pt surfaces accords with an ionic mechanism for surface catalysis and with the results of activation in the glow discharge.

R. H. C. (c) Photo-electric cells with thin film alkali cathodes. R. ^{Se w i g} (Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 91—105).

—Improvements in making cells with unimol. alkali layers are doscribed, and the mechanism of increased efficiency is discussed. A. B. D. ^{C .}

Ionisation at high gas pressures. R. M. ^{Si e.}

v e r t (Nature, 1932, 129, 792—793). L. S. T.

Properties of ionised gases in high-frequency fields. A. ^{Ro s t aGn i} (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1906—1908).—Along the negatively-charged wall of a discharge tube there is, by reason of the superior mobility of electrons compared with positive ions, a layer of positive ions the thickness, 8, of which at, const, pressure is a\/n, where n is the no. of electrons per c.c. in the central (uniform) region and a a const, (cf. A., 1931, 139). C. A. S.

Atoms and electrons. ^{( Si r)} J. J. ^T h o m s o n

(Mem. Manchester Lit. Phil. Soc., 1930-1931, 75,

77—93).—A lecture. . i)

6 7 0 B R I T I S H C H E M IC A L A B S T R A C T S .— A .

M agnetism of free electrons. L. P o s e n e r (Z.

Physik, 1932, 75, 809—811).—Theoretical. The para­

magnetic susceptibility of an electron gas is 2/3 that of pure spin magnetism. A. B. D. C.

Collisional friction experienced by vibrating electrons in ionised air. E. V. A p p l e t o n and P. W.

C h a p m a n (Proc. Physical Soc., 1932, 44, 246—254).

Electrons and ligh t quanta. ( S i b ) A. F l e m i n g

(Proc. Physical Soc., 1932, 44, 281—294).

Search for preferentially directed electron velocities in crystalline graphite w ith the m ulti- crystal spectrograph. J. W. M. D u M o n d , H. A.

K i r k p a t r i c k , and L. A l d e n (Physical Rev., 1932,

[ii], 40, 165—177). N. M. B.

Electron diffraction and m olecular structure.

II. R. W i e e l (Ann. Physik, 1932, [v], 13, 453—

482; cf. A., 1931, 665).—Previous methods of measur­

ing the electron diffraction are applied to more complicated mols. The constancy of at. separations is the basis on which structural discussion is made.

Experimental results on C2H 6, C2H4, C3H4, C2H 2, C3H 8, C4H 10, C5H 12, C6H 14, butadiene, cycZopentane, diacetylene, C2N 2, ethylene oxide, aa- and ap-dichloro- and -dibromo-ethane, and the dichloroethylenes are given and the structures of these mols. discussed.

W. R. A.

Electron diffraction by single crystals. J. J.

T b i l l a t and T. v o n H i e s c h (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 784—803).—Diffraction of 40-kv. electrons by beaten Au and P t foil showed single-crystal diffraction as well as Debye-Scherrer rings. The patterns obtained are due to gratings in three dimensions, and not to crossed plane gratings. A. B. D. C.

E m ission of negative electricity from nickel w hen bom barded by positive lithium ions.

W. S. S t e i n (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 4 0 ,4 2 5 —428).—

The emission of the cold N i target showed a max.

for bombarding ions of energies between 10,000 and 11,000 volts, and for a red-hot outgassed target increased almost linearly from 1000 to 20,000 volts.

N. M. B.

Collision of slow electrons w ith atom s. I.

General theory and elastic collisions. H. S. W.

M a s s e y and C. B. O . M o h b (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 289—311).—-Mathematical. The elastic scattering of slow electrons in H2 and He is investig­

ated and the effect of electron exchange considered.

L. L. B.

D issociation by collision w ith positive ions.

A. S c h e c h t e r (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 671—675).—A crit. potential in the “ clean up ” process is confirmed.

A. B. D. C.

“ Electrical diffusion ” of ions in unipolar charged gases. N. V o l o d k e v i t s c h (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 680—6S6).—Theoretical. A. B. D. C.

O rigin of fast m olecular rays at the cathode of a lum inous arc. R. R i s c b c and F. LiiDi (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 812—822).—These rays are due to mols.

multiply ionised by the intense electron stream at

the cathode. A. B. D. C.

M obility of positive alkali ions in argon, neon, and helium . A. M. T y n d a l l and C. F. P o w e l l

(Proc. Roy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 145—152).—The

mobilities of positive ions of Na, K, Rb, and Cs decrease with increase in the mass of the ion in A, He, and He. In A the mobilities range from 3-21 cm ./sec./volt/cm. for Na ions to 2-23 for Cs. Corre­

sponding figures for Ne are 8-87 and 6-49, and for He 23-1 and 19-2. The relation K cc (l-j-m/ilf)*, where K is the mobility, M the mass of the ion, and ra the mass of the A atom, gives the variation of the mobility in A. In Ne the fall of mobility with increase in mass of the ion is slightly greater, and the deviation is still more marked in He. L. L. B.

Collision of slow electrons in g a ses. III.

Form ation of m ultiply-charged m olecular ions.

E. F b i e d l a n d e r , H. K a l l m a n n , Y. L a s a r e v , and

B. R o s e n (Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 70—79).—The

potentials at which doubly-charged ions appear in CO, C 02, NO, and N 0 2 have been determined.

Doubly-charged ions were not observed in N„ and

o 2. a . b . d : C.

D issociation of m olecular ions by collision.

E. F b i e d l a n d e r , H. K a l l m a n n , V. L a s a b e v , and B. R o s e n (Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 60—69).—A mass spectrograph revealed that CO++ spontaneously decomposes into C+ and 0 +, and on collision C0+

dissociates into C+ and 0 , CO++ into C and 0 ++, NO + into N and 0 +, N 0 2+ into N O + and 0 , and NOa++ into N 0 ++ and 0 . A. B. D. C.

Disruptive processes produced by ultra-radia­

tion. W. H e i s e n b e r g (Naturwiss., 1932, 20, 365—

366).—A discussion of the work of Steinke and Schindler (this vol., 556) from the point of view of new quantum mechanics. The no. of impacts per cm. and the effective cross-section for the impacts

are considered. W. R. A.

Detection and isolation of elem ent 91. A. v o n G e o s s e (Naturwiss., 1932, 20, 362—363).—A criticism of the work of Hahn and Meitner (A., 1931, 120S).

W. R. A.

[Detection and isolation of elem ent 91.] 0.

H a h n and L. M e i t n e r (Naturwiss., 1932, 20, 363).—

A reply (cf. preceding abstract). W. R. A.

A t. w t. of fluorine. H. S. P a t t e r s o n and W.

C a w o o d (Nature, 1932, 129, 794).—MeF prepared by Collie’s method and by the Me2S 0 4-K F method has tc 44-55°, 58-0±0-2 atm., and v c 3-33 c.c. per g.

The p v - p isothermal of MeF made by the second

method is linear: at 0° the val. for the compressibility over 1 atm. is 1-0115. The compressibility at 21°

is 1-0087 and both vals. are in satisfactory agreement

■with those obtained from microbalance data. The correct val., 1-0087, still gives 19-01 for the at. wt.

of F (cf. this vol., 106, 209, 317). Moles and Batuecas’

vals. for the normal density and compressibility of

MeF are incorrect. L. S. T.

Isotopic constitution of lead. H. S c h u l e r arid E. G. J o n e s (Nature, 1932, 129, ^{8 3 3}—834).—Aston’s data for Pb204 (this vol., 554) are in good agreement with those obtained by the authors from the hyperfine structure of the Pb spectrum (this vol., 442). No indications of Pb209 were observed with this method, and since T1 was always present in all the samples of ordinary' Pb used, the possibility of contamination

G E N E R A L , P H Y S IC A L , A N D IN O R G A N IC C H E M IST R Y . 6 7 1

by tra c e s of T1 sh o u ld be ex am ined before th e m ass nos. 203 a n d 205 are finally a ttr ib u te d to P b .

L. S. T.

Ionisation produced by radon in spherical vessels. G. G l o c k l e r a n d G. B . H e i s i g (J.

Physical Chem., 1932, 36, 769— 779; cf. A., 1931, 120S).— I n o rd er t h a t th e G eiger law m ay ho ld for ionisation b y a-particles fro m R a -E m i t is necessary to use em pirically defined ranges, w hich a re calc.

The vals. of th e co n st, in G eiger’s 2 /3 pow er law for a-particles from R a-G , R a-A , an d R a-E m are calc.

J . W . S.

Effect of a-rays on the passage of electricity through crystals. G. J a f f e (P hysikal. Z., 1932, 33, 393— 399).— T here is a definite effect, g re a te r for q u artz th a n for m ica. A. J . M.

Resonance penetration of a-particles into alum inium nuclei. K . D i e b n e r a n d H . P o s e (Z.

Physik, 1932, 75, 753— 762).— T h e short-range //-ra y s e m itte d b y A1 v a ry in in te n sity w ith th e energy of th e p rim a ry a-ray beam , a n d long-range //-p a rtic le s are o b ta in e d on ly a t ch aracteristic a-ray

energies. A. B. D. C.

Dim inution of velocity of a-particles in air and B ethe’s theory. G. M a n o (Com pt. ren d ., 1932, 194, 1813— 1S15; cf. th is vol., 555).— B e th e ’s fo rm u la (cf. A., 1930, 972) for th e d im in u tio n in v elo city of a n a-particle a fte r tra v e llin g a d istan ce

p, —dv/dp—

[4-e2s2ArZ log

(2mv2/E)]/mMvs,

m

e

mass a n d change of a n electron, M a n d e Z th e sam e of an a-particle, N is th e no. of ato m s p e r c.c., Z th e no.

of electrons p e r ato m , a n d

E

factory re su lt if Z?=92 e lectron-volts, in stead of

B eth e’s 35. C. A. S.

Absolute velocities of principal groups of a-particles. S. R o s e n b l u m a n d G. D u p o u y (Compt.

rend., 1932, 194, 1919— 1922).— U sing a n im proved focus m eth o d (cf. A., 1931, 16, 280) th e following velocities (in cm . X 10~9/sec.) of a-particles hav e been determ ined : from T h-G ' 2-0544, R a-G ' l-921g, Ac-Ga l-7846, A c-G a,, l-7373, Th-G a l-7058, P o 1-596-, R a-A

1-698.,. C. A. S.

y-Rays from actinium em anation and their origin. ( L o r d ) R u t h e r f o r d a n d B. V. B o w d e n

(Proc. R oy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 407-—412).— E vidence has been o b tain ed t h a t th e tra n sfo rm atio n actin o n — X actinium -A is accom panied b y w eak p-rays an d strong y-rays. F ro m a m easurem ent of th e p en etratin g power of th e y-ray s i t is e stim ated th a t th e energy of tran sfo rm atio n of th e y -ray s from th e em anation is approx. 350,000 v o lts, a b o u t th e m agnitude to be expected from th e observed difference in energy of disintegration of th e tw o groups of a-particles (356,000 volts). T his su p p o rts G am ow ’s view th a t y-rays m u st accom pany a ll tra n sfo rm a tio n s w here m ore th a n one group of a-p articles is em itte d . L. L. B.

Ranges of the a-particles from the radioactive emanations and ^{“ A ”} products and from polon­

ium. W . B. L e w i s an d C. E . W y n n - W i l l i a m s

(Proc. R oy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 349— 363).—T he m ean ranges in a ir of th e a-particles em itted by radon, Ra-A, th o ro n , T h-A , actin o n , Ac-A, a n d Po hav e been measured b y th e new counting m ethods. All these

elem ents, w ith th e exception of actinon, em it a single hom ogeneous group of a-rays. T h e a-rays from ac tin o n consist of tw o groups, analogous b o th in relativ e nos. an d in energy difference to th e tw o groups

e m itte d b y Ac-G. L. L. B.

y-Radiation of boron and beryllium . H.

B e c k e r an d W . B o t h e (N aturw iss., 1932, 20, 349).—

T h e y -rad iatio n of B and Be has been stu d ied b y th e coincidence m ethod a n d th e resu lts are discussed.

W . R . A.

Dependence of ionisation by y-rays on tem ­ perature. K . W o l f f (Z. P h y sik , 1932, 75, 570—

574).— T he ionisation c u rren t duo to y-rays w as in ­ creased b y 1% w hen C0.2 and N 2 a t 21-5 a tm . were raised in tem p , b y 4° an d 7°, respectively.

A. B. D. C.

Scattering of short-wave y-radiation by heavy elem ents. L. M e i t n e r a n d H . H . H u p f e l d (Z.

P h ysik, 1932, 75, 705— 715).— Ra-G y-rad iatio n scattere d a t rig h t angles to th e incident beam by P b has 4 % of w ave-length coincident w ith th a t of th e p rim a ry b eam ; th is m u st be scattered b y P b nuclei, a n d explains deviations from th e K lein -N ish in a

form ula. A. B. D. C.

Photographic m easurem ent of the absorption coefficients of y-rays from radium-R-RÍ?. J. S.

R o g e r s (Proc. P hysical Soc., 1932, 4 4 , 349—367; cf.

A., 1931, 281).— T he absorption p er electron for th e lig h ter elem ents of y-rays filtered b y 1-6 cm. of P b w as const, in accordance w ith th e K lein -N ish in a form ula, a n d led to a w ave-length of 7-0 Á. The increase of ab so rp tio n for th e heavier elem ents varied as Z 3, th e ad d itio n al ab so rp tio n being assum ed to be due to th e photo-electric effect. N . M. B.

Compton effect of very hard y-rays of thorium - C ". D . S k o b e l z y n (Com pt. rend., 1932, 194, 1914— 1917; cf. A., 1931, 16; th is vol., 556).—

N um erous observations w ith y-rays of T h-G " filtered th ro u g h 30 m m . of P b give a curve showing fail- agree­

m e n t w ith th a t deduced from th e K lein-N ishina form ula, b u t th e sam e excessive m ax. for deviations of 8— 10°, inexplicable by th e th e o ry . C. A. S.

Artificial production of nuclear y-radiation.

H . C. W e b s t e r (Proc. R oy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 428—

453).—T he production of nuclear y-radiation by bom bardm ent w ith a-particles has been observed for th e elem ents Li, Be, B, F , N a, Mg, Al, using tw o m ethods of m easurem ent, G eiger-M iiller tube- counters an d high-pressure ionisation cham bers. B y m easurem ents of th e absorption coeffs. in P b th e q u an tu m energies of th e rad iatio n s are deduced from th e K lein-N ishina form ula. These range from a b o u t 8 m illion electron-volts for B to 0-5 m illion fo r N a.

I n some cases th e radiations can be connected w ith th e artificial disintegration of th e nucleus accom panied by th e release of a pro to n , w hilst in others th e y ap p e a r to be due to th e cap tu re of a n a-particle b y a nucleus w ith o u t pro to n emission. L. L. B.

Association of y-rays w ith the a-particle groups of thorium-C. C. D . E l l i s (Proc. R oy.

Soc., 1932, A, 136, 396— 406).—E x p e rim e n ts hav e been m ade to decide w h eth er c e rta in y-ra y s, know n to be e m itte d as th e re su lt of th e d isin teg ratio n of

6 7 2 B R IT IS H C H E M IC A L A B S T R A C T S .— A .

Th-0 or -0", actually arise from Th-O, as predicted by Gamow (A., 1930, 1339). The fact that the y-rays are found to be emitted directly after the disintegra­

tion of Th-O, in agreement with theory, provides a further proof of the association of y-rays with excited nuclear a-particle states. Probably all the y-rays of radioactive substance arise in this way. L. L. B.

Selection rule for nuclear ^{y -}radiation. IC.

Be o h e r t (Naturwiss., 1932, 20, 266).—The selection rule for nuclear y-radiation is probably Ai=0, ¿ 1 (and eventually ±2). Energy levels are represented.

W. R. A.

Radioactive phenomena of second order and artificial origin. G. ^{R e b o u l} (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1733—1735; cf. this vol., 321, 446).—It is suggested that the atoms of the activated substances are out of electrical equilibrium, returning thereto slowlv, the more so as the substance is loss conducting.

C. A. S.

Investigations with a Wilson chamber. II.

Photography of artificial disintegration colli­

sions. II. Accuracy of the angle determin­

ations. P. M. S. Bl a c k e t t and D. S. Le e s (Proc.

Roy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 325—338, 338—348).—

I. 750,000 tracks in an A -0 2-H 2 mixture and 350,000 in a N2- 0 2-H 2 mixture were photographed. Pour capture dislntegration collisions were observed, two in each group. The two in the A mixture are attrib­

uted to N2, assumed to be present as an impurity.

II. Tho* accuracy of the angular measurements of forked tracks is estimated by studying various types of collision. The probable errors of the angles 0 and co of a N2 disintegration track are about 30 and 60 mini of arc. Exact methods are given for calculating the angles from the photograph and for obtaining the reduced lengths of the tracks. L. L. B.

Disintegration of atomic nuclei. H. S. ^{Al l e n} (Nature, 1932, 129. 830).-—The A1 nucleus may yield neon on disruption in accord with ARl-j-H1— y2He4-j- Ne20 (cf. this vol., 556). The particles of mass unity in Be radiation (this vol., 443) may not bo the ultimate neutron, but may be composed of two neutrons.

L. S. T.

Nature of the penetrating beryllium radiation.

E. ^R a s e t t i (Naturwiss., 1932, 20, 350; ^{c f .} this v o l . ,

556). W. R. A.

Dispersion of neutrons from beryllium and production of recoil nuclei from lithium. M. ^{d e}

Br o g l i e and L. ^Le p r i n c e- Ri n g u e t (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1616—1617).—Neutrons resulting from the action of a-particles from Rn on Be are strongly dispersed on passing through matter, e.g., Pb, paraffin, or KC1, resulting in the production of strongly ionising nuclei,- but with no preferential production of one kind of recoil nuclei rather than another. Neutrons are also produced, though in much smaller number, by the action of a-particles from Rn on Li (cf. this vol.,

194, 210). C. A. S.

Penetrating power of radiation (neutrons) produced from beryllium by a-particles. J.

Tin ^{b a u d} and E. D. ^{l a T o u r} (Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 1647—1649; cf. this vol., 210).—The absorption in Pb of neutrons projected by a-particles of Rn from

Be is complex. The curve log I xf x (a: == thickness) is strongly convex to the axis of x. The coeff. of absorp­

tion, [i.x, decreases from 0-20 for a = l cm. to 0-065 for £= 20 cm., indicating the probability of still further decrease in g.z , and that some neutrons can penetrate 50 cm. of Pb. Similar progressive filtration is indicated where neutrons, after passing through 4-4 cm. of Pb, traverse Al, Si, S, Ee, Zn, Sn, Sb, Hg, Pb, ZnO, KN03, or KBr. The thicknesses absorbing half of such neutrons are: of Al 5-5, Si 8, S 10, Ee 6—9, Hg 6, and Pb 5-5 cm. Light elements,

e.g., Si, S, Ee, absorb per atom slightly less than Pb.

These results point to neutrons being projected with varying velocities, and colliding with at. nuclei only when very close, e.g., within 5 X10*13 cm. for Pb.

C. A. S.

Theory of diffusion of neutrons, coefficient of absorption and ionisation. J. L. D e s t o u o h e s

(Compt. rend., 1932, 194, 11309—1911).—Expressions are deduced by aid of Schrodinger’s equation for the scattering of neutrons by a heavy nucleus, their coeff.

of absorption, and hence of lc, the coeff. of field,

= 0-8—1-7X1013 (cf. this vol., 318, and preceding abstract), loss of energy after traversing a given path (cf. this vol., 443), and the ionisation, showing this last to bo negligible. Results agreo satisfactorily with those of experiment. C. A. S.

Neutron hypothesis. D . I w a n e n k o (Nature,

1932, 129, 798).—A su ggestion th a t n eu tron s play an im p ortan t role in th e stru ctu re of n uclei, t h e nuclear electron s b ein g a ll p ack ed in a-particles or neutrons.

L. S. T.

Theory of atomic disintegration by resonance.

H. ^K a l l m a n n (Naturwiss., 1932, 20, 393—396).—

Mathematical. A. R. P.

Existence of neutrons in atomic nucleus.

W. M. ^La t i m e r (J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1932, ^{5 4 ,} 2125—2126).—A discussion (cf. A., 1931, 544).

C. J. W. (c) Periodic properties of atomic nuclei. G.

Po k r o v s k i (J. Phys. Radium, 1932, [vii], 3, 150—

154).—Theoretical. From simple hypotheses periodic properties of at. nuclei are derived. W. R. A.

Cosmic-ray energies and their bearing on the photon and neutron hypotheses. R. A. ^Mi l l i k a n

and C. ^{D . A}n d e r s o n (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 325—328).—A summary of deductions from cosmic-

ray track photographs. N. M. B.

Characteristic oscillations of an ionised gas from wave mechanics. ^{( Ml l e. )} J. J. ^{Pl a c i n-}

t e a n u (J. Phys. Radium, 1932, [vii], 3, 155— 159).—

Mathematical. W. R. A.

Sir A. S. Eddington's recent theories. W. N.

Bo n d (Proc. Physical Soc., 1932, 44, 374—382).—

Evidence for the correctness of Eddington’s vals. for the fine-structure const., the ratio of masses of proton and electron, and the cosmical const, is discussed.

The val. of e is probablv (4-777-iO-OOl) X10-10 e.s.u.

5 N.M.-B.

Probable values of e , h , e/m, and a. R. T.

Bi r g e (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 228—261).—A method for the simultaneous evaluation of e and h

from several known functional relations between these

G E N E R A L , P H Y S IC A L , A N D IN O R G A N IC C H E M IST R Y . C 7 3

two consts. is developed (cf. Bond, A., 1931, 1207).

All available data are discussed. Vais, deduced are A=6-5443±0-0091, e=4-7688±0-0040, l/oc=137-307

¿0-048, and e/»»=l-7611±0-0009. N. M. B.

Relations between fundamental physical con­

stants. J. E. M i l l s (J. Physical Chem., 1932, 36, 1089—1107).—A no. of numerical relations between certain physical consts. have been discovered.

G. M. M. (c) Absorption measurements on glasses with the thorium and Uviol lamps, and the hydrogen spectrum. W. M. ^{C o h n} and C. A n d r e s e n - K r a f t

(Z. tech. Physik, 1931, 1 2 , 428—133; Chem. Zentr., 1931, ii, 3574).—The ultra-violet continuous spectra from these sources are compared. The Th lamp consists of Th bombarded by cathode rays and has the advantage that the visible and heat rays either are missing or can be suppressed. Data for EeO and Fe203 glasses are given. L. S. T.

Absorption spectra at high pressures and at low temperatures. Transparency of argon and methane. B. J. E i s e m a n , jun. (J. Amer. Chem. Soc.,

1932, 54, 1778—1782).—A and CH4 are transparent at high pressure between 2100 and 6900

A.

H. S. H. (c) Transmission of liquid carbon dioxide. B. J.

E i s e m a n , jun., and L. H a r r i s (J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1932, 54, 1782—1784; cf. preceding abstract).—

Liquid C02 at —51° is transparent to the visible and ultra-violet (cf. A., 1929, 236). At room temp, it is transparent except perhaps for a slight continuous absorption below 2500

A.

Absorption spectra of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapour in the range 600—

900 A. H. J. H e n n i n g (Ann. Physik, 1932, [v],

13, 599—620). A. J. M.

Absorption spectra of solid bodies. It.

P e i e r l s (Physikal. Z. Soviet Union, 1932, 1, 297—

298).—The dependence of the absorption spectrum of a crystal on the thermal vibration of the crystal lattice and its coupling with the electronic motion is

discussed. J. W. S.

Ultra-violet absoi-ption of nitrates and chrom- ates at 20° abs. H. S c h a i x m a n n (Z. Physik, 1932, 76, 106—131).—Absorption spectra were determined between 4200 and 2400

A.

Molecular spectra and spectroscopic analysis.

HI. Detection of yttrium. G. P i c c a r d i and A.

S b e r n a (Atti R. Accad. Lincei, 1932, [vi], 15, 309—

312).—Small amounts of Y can be detected con­

veniently by means of the brilliant band spectrum of YO, which is obtained readily when any Y com­

pound is volatilised at high temp, in air or 02. The spectrum of YO is described. A variation of 5%

of the total concn. can be detected in the concn. range

1: 10 to 1 : 105. O. J. W.

Absorption spectra of certain triatomic mole­

cules and their dissociation products. M.

K i m u r a (Sci. Papers Inst. Phys. Chem. Ite.s. Tokyo, 1932, 18, 150—156).—The energies required to dis­

sociate the mols. CO„, NO„, NoO, and H20 in various

excited states are compared with the absorption frequencies of these mois, in the extreme ultra-violet region, and dissociation products resulting from the absorption by these mois, are suggested. J. W. S.

Absorption spectra and certain thermo-chemi­

cal constants of lead halides. M. K i m u r a and Y.

U c h i d a (Sci. Papers Inst. Phys. Chem. Res. Tokyo, 1932, 18, 157—165; cf. preceding abstract).:—The absorption frequencies of Pbl2, PbBr2, and PbCl, vapours have been measured and dissociation products for the various electronic excited states of the mol.

are suggested. The heat of sublimation of PbCl2 and the energies of dissociation into P b X + X (X=halogen) and into Pb-f 2X are calc. J. W. S.

Band spectrum of nitrogen sulphide. A. ^{F o w ­}

l e r and C. J. B a r k e r (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1932, A, 136, 28—36).—By passing uncondenscd discharges through tubes containing N2 and S vapour a band spectrum, attributed to NS, is obtained. This is very similar to that of NO, and appears in almost the same ultra­

violet region. L. L. B.

Absorption band spectra of germanous sul­

phide : isotopic constitution of germanium.

C. V. S i i a p i k o , R. C. G i b b s , and A. W. L a u b e n g a y e r

(Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 354—365).—Full data for the ultra-violet absorption spectra of GeS, showing bands in the regions 3358—2709

A.

A.,

are tabulated. In the former the vibrational isotope effect was resolved; isotopes 74, 72, 70, and 76 were recognised. Energies of dissociation arc 5-65 volts for the normal state, and 2-84 and 2-17 volts for the

excited states. N. M. B.

Absorption spectrum of iodine monochloride in the near infra-red. O. D a r b y s h i r e (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 366—379; cf. Wilson, A., 1928, 1306).—The absorption spectrum for the region 6750—8770

A.

N. M. B.

Absorption spectra of photochemically coloured alkali halide crystals. E. M o l l w o

(Nachr. Ges. Wiss. Gottingen, 1931. 97—99; Chem.

Zentr., 1932, i, 492).—For LiF, LiCl, NaF, NaCl, NaBr, KF, KC1, KBr, KI, RbCl, and RbBr the characteristic frequency of the colour centres in the photographic elementary process is inversely pro­

portional to the square of the lattice const.

A. A. E.

Modified residual-ray method for the visible and ultra-violet. C. S c h a e f e r (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 6S7—694).—Residual rays from a liquid were enhanced by placing on its surface a plate of which the refractive index is approx. that of the liquid, except for regions of anomalous dispersion. Charac­

teristic frequencies between 200 and 700 mg were determined by this method for solutions of fuchsin, for NMe2-C6H4-NO, furfuraldéhyde, CH2I2, PhNO„, PhCHO, PhAc, NH2Ph, and Phi. A. B. I). C. “

Absorption of light by substances which form liquid crystals. J. F i s c h e r (Z. physikal. Chem., 1932, 160, 101—115).—Examination of substances

6 7 4 B R IT IS H C H E M IC A L A B S T R A C T S .— A .

of this type has shown that phase changes of solid crystals, liquid crystals, and isotropic liquids cause discontinuous changes in the absorption const, for monochromatic light. In respect of their absorbent properties liquid crystals resemble the isotropic liquids rather than the corresponding solid crystals.

The absorption const, of a solution of a substance which forms liquid crystals approximates to that of the solute in the form of an isotropic liquid when the val. for the solution is calc, for a layer of equal thickness free from solvent. R. C.

Absorption spectra of crystals of aromatic compounds at low temperatures. ^{I .} O b r e i m o v

and A. P r i c h o t j k o (Physikal. Z. Soviet Union, 1932, 1, 203—214).—The absorption spectra of C10H8, anthracene, and phenanthrene have been investigated over the temp, range 20° to —190°.

J. W. S.

Absorption measurements in the ultra-violet of short wave-length. I. Carboxylic acids, amines, and amino-acids. H . L e y and B . A r e n d s

(Z. physikal. Chem., 1932, B, 17, 177—219).—

Measurements have been made down to about ISO mu. Saturated mono- and di-carboxylic aliphatic acids have an absorption band at 204—207 urn, which also appears with their chlorides and anhydrides and is ascribed to the CO group. The acids probably have another band at a shorter wave-length. The character of the absorption curve of fatty acids is not affected by ester formation, but is totally changed by salt formation. With H2C204 the long-wave max. is at about 250 mg. The characteristic frequency of H2C03, as CO(OMe)2, lies below ISO mg. Dis­

solved in hexane, NH3 has a band at 192 mg, which is displaced towards shorter wave-lengths in aq.

solution, the transparency increasing at the same time. Other amines exhibit similar medium effects.

Introduction of alkyl groups into NH3 widens the band, probably through damping action. The latter increases with the no. of alkyl groups, but may be counteracted by the introduction of an H nucleus into the amine to produce a state of higher saturation, as when NH3 is converted into NH4‘. The absorption relations of aq. solutions of aliphatic NH2-acids and the effect of salt formation agree with the theory that in solution the acids are present almost ex­

clusively as dipoles, such as ‘NH3,CH2*C02'. The absorption curves of solid glycine and a-aminoiso- butyric acid between 225 and 242 mg are the same

as for solutions. R. C.

Effect of temperature on the absorption bands of benzene and some of its derivatives at low temperatures. A. H. Croup (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 40, 345—353).—The temp.-frequency curves for the ultra-violet absorption spectra of C6H6 and o-,

m-,

are plotted and discussed. Both the frequency and intensity of the bands increase with fall of temp.

N. M. B.

Absorption spectra in solution at low tempera­

tures. L. B. A r n o l d , jun., and G. B. K i s t l y k o w s k y

(J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1932, 54, 1713—1722).—

Absorption spectra have been obtained of solutions in a mixture of C3HS and C5HJ2 of CH2Ph-CHO, B-

phenvlpropaldehyde, CGII6, cyclohexadiene, PhCHO, MeCHO, PrCHO, PhCl, BzCl, co-phenyl-butyl, -ethyl, -propyl, and -heptyl chlorides. The compounds having aromatic rings show narrow absorption bands, whilst those containing aliphatic groups have diffuse

spectra. G. M. M. (c)

Absorption spectra of cyanogen and the cyanogen halides. R. B. M o o n e y and H. G. ^{R e i d} (Proc. Roy. Soc. Edin., 1932, 52, 152—158; cf. A., 1931, 1110).—Details are given of results already reported. Measurements of the band edges of the (CN)2 absorption spectrum are given. The influence of temp, on their relative intensities has been in­

vestigated. J. W. S.

Some organic solutions of iodine. M. C h a t e -

l e t (Compt, rend., 1932, 194, 1809—1810).—The

absorption spectrum of I dissolved in mixtures of CgHg with COMe2, EtOAc, or CHC13 is an additive function of the spectra in the two solvents separately, the I being distributed proportionately to the amounts of the solvents. In mixtures of CC14 with CUH,;, COMe„, EtOH, or CHCL this is not the case.

C. A. S.

Absorption of ultra-violet light by organic sub­

stances. XXVI. W. G o s l a w s k i and L. M a r c h - l e w s k i . XXVII. A. B o r y n i e c and L. M a r c h - l e w s k i (Bull. Acad. Polonaise, 1931, A, 3S3—

391, 392—399).—XXVI. Extinction coeffs. are given for the three CGH3(OH)3 and their Ac3 derivatives in EtOH, and for chloral in H20, EtOH, and CHC13.

XXVII. Extinction coeffs. are given for pyrrole, furan, indole, and 2-, 3-, and 7-methylindole in

EtOH. D. R. D.

Transmission spectra of dyes in the solid state.

W. C. H o l m e s and A. R. P e t e r s o n (J. Physical Chem., 1932, 36, 1248—1254).—Spectra of 32 azo-, CHPh3, and xanthen dyes are reproduced. Dis­

solution displaces the absorption bands towards shorter wave-lengths. The dry dyes consist of large mol. aggregates. Evidence of tautomerism is given.

S. L. (c) Application of study of ultra-violet absorp­

tion spectra of alkaloids to the determination of their structure, and to analytical chemistry, pharmacy, and toxicology. V. B r u s t i e r (Chiin.

et Ind., 1932, 27, 1007—1016).—The Bz grouping in alkaloids produces a min. at 2612 Â. Atropine, hyoscyamine, homatropine, cocaine, novocaine, strychnine, brucine, and aconitine have been studied and a no. of analytical and toxicological experiments

are described. W. S.

Absorption spectra of lignin solutions. A. J.

S t a m m , J . S e m b , and E. E. H a r r i s (J. Physical Chem., 1932, 36, 1574—1584).—Hardwood and softwood lignin preps, gave characteristic absorption max. at 2740—2760 and 2810—2760 Â., respectively.

Lignin solutions from partly chlorinated wood gave bands of smaller extinction coeffs. than those prepared from completely chlorinated wood. F. U. (c)

Rotation-vibration spectrum of ammonia.

P. ^{L u e g} and K. H e d f e l d (Z. Physik, 1932, 75, 599—612).—The rotation-vibration bands at 8800 and 10,230 Â . were photographed with high dis-