THE study of the reactions of the alkaline earth sulfates being made in these laboratories originated from a suggestion by Farr (2) of the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, who patented a process for a method of preparing blanc fixe from barite. Shreve and Pritchard (9) showed that the reaction BaS04 + CaCh -BaCh + CaS04 approached completion from left to right in strong aqueous solutions. Upon dilution with water the reverse occurred.The study of these reactions requires the use of organic solvents to separate the chlorides from the sulfates. Shreve et al. (10) patented such processes for making the chlorides and nitrates of barium and strontium.

No abstract

Vapor-phase catalytic oxidations were made on commercial naphthalene, practical Tetra-Iin, 95 per cent 2-methylnaphthalene and 70 per cent 1 -methylnaphthalene to yield chiefly phthalic anhydride. Quinone by-products were found in small amounts. The most successful catalyst consists of pure pyrolytic vanadium pentoxide fused on glassy silica gel. A tin-bearing vanadium catalyst was tried with but moderate success.

No abstract

Sodium amide is a useful reagent for certain aminations but its preparation, use, and storage may be dangerous. A study is described of the conditions and apparatus for the preparation of sodium amide, and its use in making amino-and diaminopyridine, aminoquinoline, and similar compounds, under such precautions and in apparatus of such design that these procedures are safe and satisfactory. THE amino group is one of the most useful in organic chemistry, not only for the properties it imparts but as a basis for further synthesis. Hence we are studying various reactions for amination and the equipment needed. This is particularly important, now that many of the raw materials are reasonably priced and the derivatives are finding increased use.